Third-generation firefighter sworn in at Mansfield Fire Department

Jake Bruce was sworn in Monday as Mansfield Fire Department's newest firefighter.

The third Mansfield firefighter is a 2023 Crestline High School graduate.

His father retired Capt. Doug Bruce, who served the Mansfield Fire Department for 28 years, was honored for his service in July by Mansfield City Council. Jake's grandfather Glenn Bruce was a firefighter at Crestline Fire Department.

Mansfield Safety-Service Director Keith Porch administered the oath of office before a crowd of Jake's family, colleagues and friends. Porch and Fire Chief Dan Crow both thanked Jake Bruce for his decision to join the fire department team.

Crow said, "Firefighting is a selfless and noble profession. It requires a new commitment to public service. Your decision to pursue this career really says a lot about your character and your desire to make a positive impact on your community."

Jake Bruce, 19, will be sent to the fire academy to be trained as a certified firefighter by the end of the year. Then in the next couple of years he will be sent to get his paramedic certification, Crow said.

"I'm really excited to start this new career also a little nervous getting into a new career field," he said.

The new firefighter said he wanted to become a firefighter after seeing his father do the job.

"He always loved to go to work," Jake Bruce said.

With Bruce's hiring, the number of firefighters at the department totals 91.

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Third-generation firefighter sworn in at Mansfield Fire Department