South Branch Rescue Associate Jacob Haas loves to learn new things – especially skills that he can use to help people. “It’s kind of amazing to learn how you can cut through a car to get the people out of it,” said Jacob, 19. He has been a South Branch rescue associate for about nine months and is also a volunteer firefighter with Mansfield Township Fire Company No. 1. “I enjoy being part of the (SBES) rescue company because of the shear variety of rescues we do. One minute you’re doing a vehicle rescue, the next a water rescue. You’re helping people in all different ways.”
Jacob, who is studying mechanical engineering at the County College of Morris, was inspired to join South Branch by a fellow Mansfield Township firefighter who is also South Branch officer. As a relatively new SBES volunteer, Jacob is still working toward advanced rescue discipline certifications. But with the training he has and as part of a team of more experienced members, he is already helping to save lives.
Next year, Jacob plans to take additional classes to become an Emergency Medical Technician, too.
“The more I learn, the more I can help people,” he said.