It is hard not to admire Jake Greif. Especially with what he is balancing.

Some people dream of fame and fortune, others dream of being able to help others in the worst of situations. The latter is what Jake Greif does. Jake was nominated, and chosen this week for First Responder Friday presented by Jiffy Lube.

Jake is an example of how driven a first responder is.

Right when he became old enough to join the local volunteer fire department, he did. Even though he isn’t allowed to go inside burning buildings yet until he’s 18, he shows up to almost every call and his work makes a big difference on the scene.

Anything he can do to help, he does do.

He always, no matter the time of day, will drop what he is doing the moment his pager goes off. Mind you, Jake is about to graduate from Sauquoit Valley High School and then plans to attend MVCC for criminal justice.

Do you know a first responder that deserves to be recognized? Tell us about someone who should be honored in Central New York - a firefighter, police officer, EMT, forest ranger, paramedic, DEC officers, military, rescuers, front line workers, or any other person first on the scene.

Include their name, a picture, and why they should be recognized during 'First Responder Friday." We'll honor one first responder every Friday and as a way to say thank you, we'll give them an oil change from Jiffy Lube on Commercial Drive in New Hartford and a Bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.