MANSFIELD — Jake Bruce and his father, Capt. Douglas Bruce, both describe themselves as men of few words.
Another commonality between the father-son duo is a willingness to serve their community.
On Monday morning at Mansfield Fire Department’s Station 1, Douglas watched as Jake was sworn into the MFD by Keith Porch, the city’s safety service director.
The elder Douglas began as a firefighter in Crestline in 1991 and moved to the MFD in 1995. He recently retired as the station captain at Station 6 after more than 28 years of service with the MFD.
Following Monday’s ceremony, the father said it’s an honor to see Jake following in his footsteps.
“It’s great to have a tradition started,” Douglas said. “I’m actually a second-generation firefighter, so that makes Jake a third-generation. It’s exciting.”
When asked what advice he’d give Jake, the father said “work hard and don’t be afraid to get dirty.”
Jake inspired by father’s 30-plus-year career
Following Monday morning’s ceremony, Jake felt a mixture of emotions, including excitement and nervousness.
A 2023 Crestline High School graduate, Jake, 19, said his father was a source of inspiration to become a firefighter and serve the community.
“He (Douglas) always loved to go in (to work),” he said. “It was like a family to him.”
Also attending Monday’s ceremony was Jake’s mother, Kris Bruce, as well as his siblings and grandparents. Several members of Mansfield City Council were present at Station 1 on Monday, including David Falquette, Cheryl Meier and Deborah Mount.
Jake said his upcoming goals include attending fire school, completing his one-year probationary period and completing paramedic school.
“Just like my dad (Douglas), I’m a man of few words,” Jake said. “All I’ve got to say, this was pretty cool.”
Firefighting is ‘selfless and noble’ work
Mansfield Fire Department Chief Dan Crow spoke to those in attendance Monday prior to Jake’s swearing-in ceremony.
Crow, who was sworn in as chief in December 2023, said firefighting is a “selfless and noble” profession, thanked Jake for his decision to join the MFD.
“It requires a deep commitment to public service and your decision to pursue this career really says a lot about your character and your desire to make a positive impact on our community,” the chief said.
Jake’s next several months will be spent attending the fire academy, followed by efforts to attain his paramedic certification.
“There’s a lot of learning that’s going to take place over your career here in the next couple years,” Crow told the newly sworn-in firefighter.
“What we want you to do is bring all that training and learning back, and learn from the experiences of our members here and become a part of our team,” he said.
(Photos below were taken Monday morning as Jake Bruce was sworn into the Mansfield Fire Department at Station 1, 140 E. Third St.)
