Assistant Chief – Fire

Name: 

Jake Messer

Position:

Assistant Chief - Fire

I began my adult life out of High School in the military where I served for 5 years on active duty in the Army. I completed 2 deployments overseas and after the second my enlisted time was coming to an end, so it was time to start thinking about life outside the military. I was wanting something structured like the military but locally at the time. My friend introduced me to the Fire service, and I began to study and get the appropriate certificates and degrees for such. I started out in my hometown and after a few years moved to the Southeast Texas area to further my career. I continued with the National Guard for a few more years and finally got out as an E6 Staff sergeant. I begin at Lumberton Fire part time and quickly realized this was a department that not only wanted to strive to be better but to also better its employees. I became the Assistant Fire Chief a few years ago when approached by the Fire Chief asking if I could fulfill the position that was left void. I accepted and have since been striving to make this Fire community not only a good place to work and live but a good place to achieve more and further education with the assistance of a few intelligent and motivated personnel. We have a group of guys in this department with skills that have helped move us to a place where we are now recognized by TCFP as a certified training facility that have helped me in ways that I could not have done myself. We continue to strive to do better and create a better and safer community for our citizens. I have learned to lean on others and their experiences, no one knows 100% about anything, always feel free to rely on those with different experiences. I look forward to what the future holds and cannot wait to look back and say I was a part of that Department and their achievements long after I am gone.

Where are you from originally and what brought you to Lumberton?

I am originally from Hudson, Texas by Lufkin. I came to Lumberton for no particular reason than to be closer to my job in Beaumont. Once here, I decided to try out this department and see where it would lead. I’m happy for my experiences here and look forward to more.

What inspired you to become a medic/What attracted you to this career choice?

I have always enjoyed helping people and wanted to continue in my community. We meet people usually on their worst days and it’s always nice leaving knowing you may have made a difference. We may not erase the situation, but we can help assure there is a better future.

How long have you been with HCESD2 and what motivated you to work here?

I have been with Lumberton Fire / Ems for over 5 years now and have many more to go.

What is your favorite part about working here at HCESD2?

I enjoy how unique this department is and how we strive to be better at what we do and enjoy. We have a great group of people who always look forward to being the best they can be.

If you had guests visiting SETX for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them?

Inside Lumberton, I would highly suggest Village Creek park. If we were to go further out, my relaxation place would be Lake Sam Rayburn. Get out and enjoy nature and the sun.

What is your favorite restaurant in town?

I currently don’t have a favorite restaurant in town. I hardly eat out but when I do it is whatever is convenient at the time.

What do you do on your days off to relax and unwind?

It comes as no surprise to most that I enjoy being out on the water. I cannot say I am a good bass fisher, but I can say that I have tried to be. I enjoy going to the lake and hanging out with friends during the summer. I would suggest find your hobby and relax. Take time to do these things. Something I need to do more than talking about it.

Who inspires you?

I find my inspiration in lots of people. I try to find the positive traits in everyone I meet and mirror those. I will never be perfect, but I like to think I can mirror the best of everyone I see and meet whether its professional or personal.

What is the next place you would like to visit? Why?

I would love to visit Greece. I love learning about history and Greek culture and Myths are one of the oldest civilizations to exist. I have been to other great places in my life to include Iraq, Germany, as well as the continent of Africa where other great civilizations have existed. Greece would be next on my bucket list. I enjoy history of all ages and believe it is relevant to our future.

Word of advice for an aspiring medic?

My advice would be to figure out your dreams and work to achieve them. When it gets harder, it usually means you are closer to the end goal.

Interested in a career with HCESD2? Contact our Recruiting team at jhamilton@hcesd2.com or give us a call at 409-755-6031.

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This publication features HCESD2 work culture and the lives of our medics. 

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