BAKER — Jacob McKenzie, who graduated from Baker School on Thursday, is a true military brat, his mother, Tammy, says.
In 18 years, he moved with his parents all over the world nine times. He lived in different countries, including Turkey and England, and experienced an array of cultures for five of those years.
Each move forced him to enroll in a new school and make new friends, and he never felt like he fit in anywhere, especially since he knew he would be moving on in a few years.
However, after moving to Baker, he knew he was “home," Tammy McKenzie said.
She retired almost two years ago from the Air Force, which she said stabilized Jake at Baker School. Other kids at the small school accepted him right off the bat — and it didn’t hurt that he stands over 6 feet 5 inches tall and played on the Gators football team.
During Jake’s last two and a half years of high school, he was part of an offensive line that brought the school consecutive district championships.
"The part of this story that is unique is the fact this kid has worked toward truly following in his father’s footsteps," his mother said. "Jake has had a dream of being a firefighter since he was a small kid. He spent many hours following his Dad around fire stations, riding in trucks and helping with the duties around the station."
Throughout the multiple moves, Jake's father, Mark McKenzie, would bring him around his departments and expose him to the job of serving the community as a first responder.
Jake has completed many phases of his training, including certifications as an emergency medical responder, wild land firefighter and firefighter level 1 certified. He has progressed since age 14 from a junior firefighter to a fully certified volunteer firefighter with the Baker Fire District. He plans to attend Northwest Florida State College and complete his firefighter standards and EMT training.
"I am so proud of this young man — my son," Tammy McKenzie said. "Through all of our moves, changing schools and making new friends, he has held dear to his heart the desire to serve his community, wherever that may be!"
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker graduate stuck with firefighting, despite multiple moves around the world