The latest season of CBS’s “Survivor” features not one, but two firefighters among its contestants: Fire Captain Joe Hunter and Fire Lieutenant Chrissy Sarnowsky. Both bring their unique life experiences and firefighting backgrounds to the treacherous terrains of Fiji for “Survivor 48,” aiming to outwit, outplay and outlast their competitors for the coveted $1 million prize.
Joe Hunter
Hunter, 45, hails from Vacaville, California, and currently serves as a fire captain in West Sacramento. His journey to “Survivor” is deeply personal. According to The Reporter, Hunter’s sister, Joanna, was a fervent fan of the show and had long encouraged him to participate. However, Joanna’s life was cut short due to domestic violence in 2011. In her memory, Hunter and his family championed “Joanna’s Law,” enacted on Jan. 1, which grants families access to death investigation records of loved ones with a history of domestic violence.
When asked why he wanted to compete on “Survivor,” Hunter told Entertainment Weekly that his sister was his inspiration.
“She was a big fan of the show from when it started. She asked me to apply years ago, and many times. I didn’t think we could do it,” he said. “Then she was taken from me by domestic violence. It took me years, but this is for her. It is about doing this for her and giving her peace that her brother did it! And did it for her!”
Chrissy Sarnowsky
As a fire lieutenant from Chicago’s South Side, Sarnowsky, 55, has dedicated 26 years to the Chicago Fire Department and 33 years as a paramedic. Her motivation to join “Survivor” stems from a desire to inspire young girls.
“I want to show all the little girls out there they can be firefighters, truck drivers, policemen, etc. Anything they want!” she told Entertainment Weekly.
Sarnowsky’s journey to the island was serendipitous. A lifelong fan of the series, she applied on a whim after seeing a casting call during an episode, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Despite initial reservations about her colleagues’ reactions, she found immense support from her firefighting community. Reflecting on her experience, Sarnowsky admitted the challenges were tougher than anticipated but highlighted the camaraderie and support she received from her peers.
Still in the running
On March 5, both Hunter and Sarnowsky secured another week in the game. Hunter’s Lagi tribe placed second in the immunity challenge, while Sarnowsky’s Civa tribe took first place, keeping both firefighters safe.
During the season’s fourth episode on March 19, the game took a major turn as the players dropped their buffs and swapped tribes. Hunter landed on the newly formed Vula tribe, where he found himself on the wrong side of the vote but was spared when an ally played a hidden immunity idol. Sarnowsky, now on the new Civa tribe, avoided tribal council altogether, keeping her in the competition for another week.
In the fifth episode, which aired March 26, both firefighters managed to stay in the game. Hunter’s Vula tribe won immunity, keeping him safe from elimination, while Sarnowsky’s Civa tribe avoided Tribal Council altogether. Ultimately, it was Bianca Roses from the Yanu tribe who was voted out.
This article, originally published on March 6, has been updated to reflect both Hunter and Sarnowsky are still in the running.
