The Detroit Fire Department (DFD) welcomed 51 recruits on Friday, among them Jack Hamm, a fourth-generation firefighter carrying on a proud family tradition. The induction ceremony took place at Second Ebenezer Church, marking a significant milestone in Hamm’s life and career.
For Hamm, joining the fire service was more than a career choice—it was a calling. With a lineage of firefighters preceding him, including his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, stepping into the ranks of DFD was an opportunity to honor his family’s heritage.
“I knew Detroit was the place to be with all the stories from my dad and everything he has gone through,” Hamm said. “I am happy just to be here in the Detroit Fire Department. Fourth generation, which is crazy.”
His father, Jeff Hamm, shared his pride in seeing his son uphold the family’s long-standing commitment to the city’s fire department. “If both of his grandfathers were here, they would be extremely ecstatic that the tradition carries on amongst our family,” Jeff Hamm said. “Having a fourth-generation firefighter in the Detroit Fire Department is something truly special.”
In addition to the department’s standard firefighting training, the recruits, including Hamm, have also obtained their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) licenses, a requirement instituted by the city in 2021. This additional certification equips firefighters to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from fires to life-threatening medical incidents.
“Firefighting isn’t just about putting out fires anymore,” Hamm said. “It’s about being there for the community in every way possible. Whether it’s a medical emergency or a fire call, we have to be prepared.”
As he embarks on his new journey, Hamm is set to complete six months of service on an engine company, responding to fire calls and medical emergencies across the city. His primary focus remains on serving Detroit’s residents while ensuring his safety.
“I’ll do six months on an engine,” Hamm said. “I’m going to work hard, fight some fires, do some medical runs, serve the residents, and most importantly, get home safe.”
Having spent years in the fire service himself, Jeff Hamm understands the challenges that come with the job. He expressed his immense pride in Jack’s achievement and offered words of encouragement as his son stepped into this demanding yet rewarding profession.
“I couldn’t be more proud,” Jeff Hamm said. “Seeing Jack step into this role is something special. This job isn’t easy, but I know he has the heart and determination to do it.”
The elder Hamm also acknowledged the evolving nature of the firefighting profession, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to public service. “It’s different from when I started,” he admitted. “There’s more technology, more medical training, and more responsibility. But at the core, it’s still about serving the people of Detroit, and I know Jack is ready for that.”
The Hamm family’s legacy within the Detroit Fire Department stands as a testament to the dedication and bravery of firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect the city. Jack Hamm’s entry into the fire service ensures that this tradition will continue for another generation.
As he prepares for his first shift, Hamm remains committed to his mission of serving the community, honoring his family’s history, and making it home safely each day. “I know this is where I belong,” Hamm said. “It’s more than a job—it’s a calling.”
With his induction, Detroit gains not just another firefighter but a torchbearer of a storied legacy—one that is deeply rooted in honor, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the city and its people.
