Jake Johnson, the Lacey firefighter hospitalized after an off-duty fall on July 19, has succumbed to his injuries.
His firehouse, Lacey Fire District 3, announced his passing on Wednesday, July 29.
“Jake was a firefighter, a teammate, and a friend who answered the call to serve others with courage and compassion. His loss is felt deeply by everyone who knew him and served alongside him,” Lacey Fire District 3 said in a social media post.
Community members are asked to keep Johnson’s family in their thoughts and respect their privacy in the coming days.
Details regarding memorial services will be shared as they become available.
“Our hearts are with Jake’s family, his loved ones, his friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss,” Lacey Fire District 3 stated.
Johnson’s accidental fall occurred the morning of July 19.
First responders with the Olympia and Tumwater fire departments quickly responded, stabilized Johnson and transported him to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia.
Due to the seriousness of his injuries, however, he was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
He endured multiple surgeries to repair his internal injuries before his condition worsened on July 21, at which time he was placed on life support.
Around that time, Lacey Fire District 3 and Johnson’s union, Lacey Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2903, put out a call to the community for donations to support his family and for messages of support.
The call was widely heeded by the Thurston County community, the regional firefighting community, and those beyond whose lives touched Johnson’s.
“Over the past several days, we have witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of love and support from our community and from people far beyond it,” Lacey Fire District 3 said Wednesday. “The prayers, messages of hope, and countless acts of kindness shared on Jake’s behalf have been a powerful reminder of the impact he had on those around him and the strength of the fire service family and the communities we serve.”
Lacey Fire District 3 specially thanked the first responders who responded to Johnson’s accident, and the medical teams at Providence St. Peter Hospital and Harborview Medical Center who cared for Johnson.
“These dedicated professionals provided extraordinary skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment. The care and kindness they showed Jake and his family will never be forgotten,” Lacey Fire District 3 stated.
