Firefighters and community members across the region are coming together to support Lacey firefighter Jake Johnson, who remains in extremely fragile condition after suffering life-threatening injuries in an accidental fall while off duty.
The incident occurred on the morning of July 19. Emergency crews from the Olympia and Tumwater fire departments responded quickly, stabilized Johnson at the scene and transported him to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia.
Because of the severity of his injuries, Johnson was later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, one of the region’s leading trauma hospitals.
Lacey Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 2903 said Thursday that Johnson was being treated in Harborview’s Trauma Intensive Care Unit. He underwent several surgeries to repair serious internal injuries, but his condition worsened on July 21.
Doctors subsequently placed him on an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, commonly known as ECMO. The advanced life-support system temporarily performs the functions of the heart and lungs, giving those organs an opportunity to rest and recover.
Johnson remains on ECMO while his medical team evaluates the next steps in his treatment.
“Jake remains stable, but he and his family face a long and difficult road ahead,” Local 2903 said in a social media statement. “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.”
A fundraiser has been established to help Johnson and his family manage the financial challenges associated with his recovery. Donations will assist with medical deductibles, household bills, transportation, lodging, meals, continuing care and other expenses that may arise while he is unable to work.
Lacey Fire District 3 is accepting donations through the Lacey Firefighters Charity Venmo account at:
https://www.venmo.com/u/lfd3firefighterscharity
Officials said all contributions made through the charity account will go directly toward supporting Johnson and his family.
Checks may 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,” Lacey Fire District 3 said. “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.”
Those who are unable to contribute financially are being encouraged to share the fundraiser and send messages of encouragement to Johnson and his loved ones.
“Words of encouragement, strength and support will mean more than you know to Jake and his family during this fight,” Local 2903 stated.
Support has also poured in from neighboring emergency-service agencies and public officials.
Mountain View Fire & Rescue, where Johnson served for four years before joining Lacey Fire District 3 in August 2025, asked the community to keep him and those closest to him in their thoughts.
“Please keep Jake, his family, his friends and fire service family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” the department wrote.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders also shared a personal message after learning about the accident.
Sanders said he had seen Johnson at Lakefair shortly before the fall. The two longtime friends had not spoken in some time and spent the encounter catching up on their work and personal lives.
“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,” Sanders wrote. “We got you, Jake.”
Lacey Fire District 3 thanked the public for the compassion and generosity already shown to Johnson, his family and fellow firefighters.
“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,” the department stated.
