Jake Wayne Bridges, 20, of Shelby, North Carolina, died of a medical emergency on June 5, 2025. He was on shift and had just returned to his fire station from fighting a house fire.

Jake was born on July 1, 2004. At 17, after a car crash that resulted in the death of his father, he realized that he wanted to pursue a career in the fire service. While in high school, he joined his local volunteer fire department in Fallston, North Carolina. The summer after eleventh grade, he enrolled in Gaston College Fire Academy and finished right before his senior year of high school. He graduated high school early in December of 2023 and completed the Gaston College Breathing Equipment course. Then, he went to Cleveland Community College and took the Emergency Medical Technician course.

Jake enjoyed time with his friends, girlfriend, and family. He had many hobbies over the years. He raced RC cars and played baseball. He had an absolute love for the Atlanta Braves and visited the new stadium several times. He enjoyed going to many concerts with friends. He had just found his renewed love for golfing.

Jake was hired by Hickory Fire Department in June 2023 as an emergency medical technician and Level II Firefighter. In 2024, he attended the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis. He had a lively personality and larger than life smile that everyone came to know and love. The impact Jake made on the Hickory Fire Department and its members are ones that will last for years to come.

Since his death, his family and friends have shown their love for him by starting the Firefighter Jake Bridges Scholarship Foundation. This scholarship is designed to help give aid to students who enter the Catawba Valley Community College Fire Academy.