The regional firefighting community is rallying around Lacey firefighter Jake Johnson after he sustained serious injuries in an off-duty fall.
The accidental, life-threatening 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 has since been transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Johnson’s union, Lacey Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2903, described Johnson’s condition Thursday as “extremely fragile.”
He is currently in Harborview’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit and endured multiple surgeries to repair his internal injuries before his condition worsened on July 21.
Johnson has since been placed on an ECMO life-support machine. The machine, short for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, artificially performs the role of the heart and lungs, allowing the organs themselves to rest and heal.
Johnson is staying on the machine while his medical team determines the next steps in his treatment, Local 2903 said in a social media post on Thursday.
“Jake remains stable, but he and his family face a long and difficult road ahead,” Local 2903 said. “As a firefighter, Jake has dedicated himself to public service and helping people in their most difficult moments. Today, Jake and his family need all of us to stand beside them.”
Donations will help ease the overwhelming financial burden of his recovery, including medical deductibles, household expenses, travel, lodging, meals, ongoing care, and other needs that may arise while Jake is unable to work.
Johnson’s firehouse, Lacey Fire District 3, is accepting donations on Johnson’s behalf at https://www.venmo.com/u/lfd3firefighterscharity.
All donations made through the Lacey Firefighters Charity Venmo page will go directly to supporting Jake Johnson and his family.
Checks can also be mailed to Lacey Professional Firefighters L2903, PO Box 5013, Lacey, WA 98509.
“Jake has dedicated his career to serving others, answering the call whenever our community needed him. Today, we ask our community to join us in keeping Jake and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they face the difficult days ahead,” Lacey Fire District 3 said in a social media post on Thursday.
Whether they can donate or not, community members are asked to share information about the fundraiser with their friends and family, and to send Johnson messages of support.
“Words of encouragement, strength, and support will mean more than you know to Jake and his family during this fight,” Local 2903 stated.
Among those posting words of support to Johnson are Mountain View Fire & Rescue, which Johnson was a member of for four years before he joined Lacey Fire District 3 in August 2025.
“Please keep Jake, his family, his friends, and fire service family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” Mountain View Fire & Rescue stated in a social media post on Thursday.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders also voiced a message of support for Johnson.
“On Saturday I saw my old friend Jake at Lakefair. We hadn’t seen each other in a while and we caught up on work and life,” Sanders wrote Wednesday, noting that he’d learned of Johnson’s accident that day.
“Please wrap your arms around our Lacey Fire District Three brothers and sisters, and consider donating to their charity … to help keep Jake and his incredible family supported. We got you Jake,” Sanders wrote.
Lacey Fire District 3 thanked community members Thursday for the support they’ve already shown.
“It is a powerful reminder that when one member of our fire family is hurting, this community comes together with kindness, hope, and unwavering support,” Lacey Fire District 3 stated.
Local 2903 will post updates on Johnson’s condition at https://www.facebook.com/laceyprofessionalfirefighters