For firefighter Jacob Helmly, serving the community is more than a career — it’s a chance to give back to the people he calls home.
Born in Savannah, Helmly moved to the Metter area in 2012 before later settling near Oak Park. A 2017 graduate of Metter High School, Helmly said firefighting had always been in the back of his mind thanks to family influence.
“My grandfather was a career firefighter for Savannah Fire Department,” Helmly said. “Then later, my uncle pulled me into the volunteer fire department.”
Still, it wasn’t until Hurricane Helene that Helmly made the decision to pursue firefighting full-time. While trying to make it to work in Savannah for storm cleanup, he found himself behind two Oak Park volunteer firefighters on the road.
“They convinced me to join the fire department right then and there,” he said.
After earning his certifications, Helmly joined the Swainsboro Fire Department, where he now serves the community every day.
Helmly said many people misunderstand the scope of what firefighters actually do.
“We do a lot more than most people think,” he said. “One of my favorite sayings I’ve learned in the fire service is, ‘Who do you call when nobody knows what to do?’”
Whether responding to emergencies or simply being visible in the community, Helmly says the most rewarding part of the job is helping others.
“No matter how big or how small, helping people is what we’re here for,” he said.
For Helmly, serving Emanuel County is personal. He described the community as full of “very, very good people” and said seeing the appreciation from residents makes the work worthwhile.
“It’s a way to give back,” he said.
For anyone considering a future in firefighting, Helmly offers simple advice: “Don’t hesitate. It’s one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever done in my life. We have a lot of fun, but when the job gets serious, we buckle down and do what we have to do.”
