Aspiring firefighter collapses during Citizens Fire Academy, firefighters rush to save him

During the graduation exercises of the Allen Fire Department’s Citizens Fire Academy, firefighters and Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd rushed to rescue Jakob “JJ” Perez, an 18-year-old participant who collapsed.

Perez had just completed the eight-week academy, which offers citizens over 18 years old insights into the department’s operations, including hands-on training and ride-alongs.

Witnessing Perez’s collapse during a physical ability test involving pulling fire hoses up the training tower, Chief Boyd and firefighters immediately initiated life-saving measures, including CPR and employing an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restart his heart.

Despite Perez’s sudden cardiac arrest, the firefighters’ swift action led to his survival. Currently in the ICU at Texas Health Allen, Perez’s family awaits further medical evaluation to determine the cause of the emergency.

Jakob’s dream of becoming a firefighter, solidified by a previous tragedy in their family, remains a driving force, despite the potential need for surgery due to an undiagnosed heart problem.

The family hopes Jakob’s story encourages more citizens to learn how to use AEDs and advocates for wider access to these life-saving devices.

While Jakob’s future as a firefighter remains uncertain, Chief Boyd assures him of support and highlights alternative roles within the department.

To assist with medical expenses, Jakob’s family has established a verified GoFundMe account.