Like police officers and other first responders, firefighters are often meeting people during difficult times and even life-changing if not life-saving circumstances. Being wired to deal with these situations requires special and unique skills, sensibilities and, of course, expertise to help people navigate through life’s most challenging times.

Jacob Ellis was officially hired by the Southgate Fire Department on August 18, 2025, as a firefighter/paramedic. The 23-year-old said he’s excited to be part of Southgate’s highly respected fire department and is ready to help people in need, whatever the circumstances.

“It is very humbling being the person to respond to someone’s worst day,” he said. “Having the knowledge and training to make a genuine difference in someone’s life is a massive reward to me and very humbling.”

While he’s just getting started, Ellis said his goal is to get better at his job every day.

“My long-term goal is to have a long and healthy career and to continue learning,” he said. “I love what I do and I am excited to continue my work.”

He didn’t have to go far to find something he loves to do. Ellis is a 2020 graduate of Southgate Anderson High School, and attended the Fire Academy and Basic EMT at Schoolcraft College and Paramedic School at Wayne County Community College.

Ellis worked in private EMS and was full-time for a previous fire department before moving back home to Southgate. His daily to-do list includes ongoing training and gaining valuable experience so he can continue to better help people on those bad days.

“My duties are to save and protect lives and property through firefighting operations,” he said. “I am also a paramedic responding to medical calls and providing advanced life support pre-hospital care to the sick and injured.”

He said being able to do that in his hometown is special.

“My experience with Southgate has been nothing short of amazing,” he said. “I have learned so much, and I am excited to continue to learn. My favorite part has to be the team. The fellow firefighters I have met so far have been great.

“Southgate is special to me because it is where I grew up, and has and will forever be my home.”