Get to know Sheila

Captain Sheila Kelliher Berkoh (Ret.) is a 25-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and a nationally recognized speaker on resilience, leadership, and high performance under pressure. As the 15th woman hired by LACoFD, Sheila rose through the ranks from firefighter and paramedic to Fire Captain, later becoming the department’s first female Public Information Officer.

A passionate advocate for mentorship and access, Sheila is a founding board member of the Women’s Fire League and a co-creator of Girls’ Fire Camp and the Women’s Fire Prep Academy, programs that have helped prepare and empower future women leaders for nearly a decade.

Sheila’s discipline and drive extend well beyond fire service. A former Texas A&M University golfer with a degree in Speech Communications, she is a RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion, a multi-time gold medalist in the Police & Fire Games and World Games, and a boxing champion representing LACoFD. In 2023, she was featured as a cast member on NBC’s LA Fire and Rescue. Currently, she is featured in a collaboration with Volvo and The Pitt on HBO Max.

Married to her husband Kojo, who is from Ghana, West Africa, Sheila is part of a large, multicultural family spanning three continents. She is also the proud mother of 15-year-old twins, Marley and Maximus, both on a path toward competing as Division I athletes - an experience that continues to deepen her perspective on being a leader, providing discipline, and guiding high performers through pressure and opportunity. They live in Southern California with their Queensland Heeler, Joey.

Known for her authentic storytelling, and relatable leadership style, Sheila’s keynote presentations combine humor, hard-earned wisdom, and practical insight - challenging audiences to rethink resilience, leadership, and what is truly means to serve.

Boards

Fire-Dex Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment

Honors & Awards

West Hollywood Firefighter of the Year

ShelterBox Warrior Award

City of Agoura Hills First Responder Excellence

Art Gallery First Responder

World Champion Long Drive

A smiling woman with long brown hair standing outdoors in a city street, dressed in black with jewelry, with blurred people and buildings in the background.
Three firefighters in uniform and helmets, smiling and taking a selfie outdoors on a sunny day.
A group of four women and one man standing on stage, with one woman at the front holding a Grammy award. The woman in front is wearing a sparkly gold gown and smiling. Others are dressed in black police uniforms and a silver dress, standing behind her against a yellow background.
A muscular woman in a purple bikini standing by a pool, smiling, with trees, parked cars, and urban buildings in the background.

Want to collaborate? Let’s sync!

Please fill out the quick form below to set up a free, no-pressure chat.