At the Swainsboro Fire Department, firefighter Jacob Swingle didn’t exactly follow a lifelong dream into the profession; but he found something meaningful once he arrived.
Swingle came to Swainsboro after growing up in Orlando, Florida, and attending high school locally. His path to the fire service wasn’t traditional. In fact, he describes it as more of a third option than a calling.
“It was kind of my third option of everything,” Swingle said. “But my buddy’s girlfriend worked here, and he told me all they did was work out and watch ‘Impractical Jokers’, which sounded pretty nice.”
That lighthearted introduction didn’t fully prepare him for the reality of the job.
Like many firefighters, Swingle says one of the biggest misconceptions is that the job revolves only around putting out house fires. In reality, the work is far more varied, and sometimes unexpected.
“We do a whole lot more than house fires,” he said. “We go to anything the city wants us to. I’ve been on top of buildings installing lights before. We do a lot.”
That unpredictability is part of what defines the role. Firefighters often serve as problem-solvers for their communities, stepping in wherever they’re needed; whether it’s an emergency call, public service task, or helping during challenges like drought conditions.
For Swingle, the most rewarding part of the job isn’t the adrenaline or the action, it’s the respect and recognition from the community.
“When kids and people hear what I do, they seem like they really respect it,” he said.
That connection to the community is what gives the job its deeper meaning. Serving others, especially during difficult or inconvenient times, is something Swingle takes seriously.
“It means being there when they need it, even on holidays,” he said. “Even when we have to show up and be the bad guy… just protecting it regardless.”
While the job comes with pride and purpose, Swingle is quick to point out that it also requires discipline; especially physically. His advice to anyone considering a career in firefighting is straightforward.
“Make sure you stay fit,” he said. “It’s very easy in the fire service to be a recliner pilot and not work out… and then when you get on scene and somebody needs you to do something, you can’t. People can get hurt.”
From an unexpected start to a role rooted in service, Swingle’s journey reflects a reality many firefighters share: sometimes the job finds you; and once it does, it becomes much more than you expected.
