As a carpenter, Jake Gill spends his days building houses, measuring twice, cutting once and laying solid foundations. When the tones drop, he trades his tool belt for turnout gear and responds to emergency calls as a volunteer firefighter with South Media Fire Company.
Gill joined the fire company in January 2025 after a friend and current member encouraged him to check it out. What started as a way to give back quickly became something more.
“I’ve learned how important it is to work as a team and depend on each other,” he said. “That’s something I’ll carry with me everywhere.”
The biggest surprise for Gill was the people inside the firehouse.
“Everyone is incredibly supportive. From day one, you feel like you belong,” Gill said.
“My favorite part of volunteering is knowing I can help someone when it really matters,” he added.
For young adults and others in the community who may wonder where they would fit in, Gill has a simple message.
“There’s a place for everyone at South Media,” he said. “They need all kinds of skills, and they help you learn what you don’t know.”
South Media Fire Company is an all-volunteer organization serving Nether Providence Township, Rose Valley Borough, and surrounding communities. All training and gear are provided at no cost. Volunteers must be 18 or older to serve as firefighters.
To learn how you can make a difference close to home, visit www.southmediafire.com.