Hickory firefighters are mourning the loss of one of their own.
Firefighter Jake Bridges suffered a medical issue while helping colleagues get a rig back in service following a structure fire, according to a statement from Hickory Fire Department.
Despite treatment from fellow firefighters and hospital medical staff, Bridges did not survive.
"At just 20 years old, Jake demonstrated his passion for the firefighting profession and dedication to the community. After completing the Gaston College Fire Academy in 2022, he joined the Hickory Fire Department in June 2023 as a certified Level II Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)," Hickory fire officials wrote.
Susan Nicol | News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.
