Meet Lieutenant Zack Hake

Where are you stationed?
I’m a roving lieutenant on the ‘A’ shift.

What was your previous position?
I was an Apparatus Engineer at Station 7 (McKenna Boulevard).

How long have you been with the MFD?
I was hired in April 2008.

How has your perspective changed now that you're a lieutenant? 
As a Lieutenant, I recognize the significance of my position in ensuring the well-being of the crew and the people we serve. My responsibilities include fostering a culture of knowledge, providing the necessary tools and resources, and instilling compassion in my team. I’m dedicated to leading my team with integrity and ensuring they possess the skills and empathy required to respond effectively to emergencies.

What qualities or skills do you see as crucial for your new position? 
Establishing meaningful connections with individuals is paramount in my role as a Lieutenant. When responding to emergencies or interacting with the public at community events, or gathering supplies needed for the fire station, I recognize the expectation for a high standard of care and service. To fulfill this expectation, I actively prioritize creating positive and impactful interactions during every encounter. By consistently demonstrating compassion, empathy, and professionalism, I strive to leave a lasting positive impression on those we serve, reinforcing the value and trust placed in our fire department. 

What's the most interesting call you've been involved with or in charge of? 
It was the first time I had successfully performed CPR on an individual who subsequently recovered and was discharged from the hospital. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet both the survivor and his wife at a survivors' banquet. The wife of the patient expressed her heartfelt gratitude by giving me a hug and expressing her sincere appreciation for my role in saving her husband's life.

During our conversation, we delved into the intricacies of the rescue, acknowledging that it was not solely my crew’s efforts that led to the positive outcome. Instead, we recognized the collaborative efforts of a dedicated team, including the individual's wife who promptly called 911, and the skilled doctors and nurses at the hospital who provided expert medical care.

It was an incredibly rewarding experience to be a part of this team and to witness firsthand the impact of our collective efforts in saving a life. The shared sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that we had made a meaningful difference in the life of another human being remain a source of profound satisfaction and motivation in my role as a first responder.