Robert Jones watched firetrucks race past his Tarentum home two years ago to battle a house fire on West 11th Avenue.
He walked into Summit Hose the next day and asked to join.
“I knew right then that it was something I wanted to do,” said Jones, 19.
Jones didn’t know anyone in the department but wanted to learn the trade and serve his community.
His determination hasn’t waned.
Last year, Jones responded to 97% of the department’s calls — about 280 total — earning him the Summit Hose Firefighter of the Year Award.
“It was really cool to get recognized for the stuff I do,” Jones said. “Every time a call comes in, I love it.”
Chief Josh Fox called Jones a huge asset to the company, which has served the west side of the borough since 1906.
“He took to everything relatively quickly,” Fox said, “and anything he puts his mind to, he succeeds.
“He does work detail and responds to calls at all hours — all while holding a job. It’s rare that you find that these days.”
Jones attended the Highlands School District until high school, when he switched to online learning at PA Cyber Charter School. Since graduating last May, he has worked as a full-time security guard.
He always has had a passion for public service and, as a child, dreamed of becoming a police officer. Witnessing the frequency of fire calls in the borough changed his mind.
“Joining the department is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Jones said.
It didn’t take long for the newbie to get thrown into the mix at age 17. Sirens blared on the first night he collected his gear and pager, though it turned out to be a response for burnt food.
He has since witnessed the devastation that comes with emergency response. A Christmastime call last year resulted in one fatality.
“Me and the captain, we had a fire where we located the victim and pulled him out,” Jones said. “We got together and talked about it after, and it helped strengthen my convictions that maybe on the next call I could do better.”
In addition to being Summit’s top responder, Jones earned his Firefighter 1 state certification, which demonstrates his skills in hazardous materials operations, structural fire attack and emergency medical services.
Fox said it’s a significant achievement to reach at any age, let alone at 19. He believes Jones is among the youngest firefighters in the state to earn the credential.
“When he walked in off the street, I wondered how long he’d stay,” Fox said. “A lot of people are interested until they find out how much it entails. Robert is a good listener, he’s ambitious and he wants to learn.
”He’s all about teamwork, and that’s what makes our company a success.”
Jones credits his fire family for pushing him to give his all.
“If it wasn’t for the group of guys, I probably wouldn’t have stayed,” he said. “They push you. I accomplish a lot outside of Summit because of them.
“It’s a brotherhood.”