For many, firefighting is a profession. For Jesiah Newsome, it’s a calling. At just 28 years old, Newsome has already built an impressive career as both a career firefighter and a dedicated volunteer. As Deputy Chief of the Blandon Fire Company and Engine 3 driver for the City of Reading Fire Department, his impact on the local firefighting community is undeniable.
Born in California and raised in Oregon, Newsome knew from an early age that he wanted to be a firefighter. “I remember being a little kid on a bike, carrying a walkie-talkie around, thinking I was a firefighter,” he recalls. At 16—the youngest age allowed in Oregon—he submitted his first volunteer application. That decision set him on a path of service that brought him to Pennsylvania in 2016, where he quickly became involved with the Blandon Fire Company before earning a position with the Reading Fire Department.
In the fire service, every call can bring unpredictable challenges. Newsome has experienced both the highs and the lows of the job, but one particular moment stands out.
“In the city, there was a working structure fire in a laundromat with apartments above. I was assigned to search and found a guy on the floor, semi-conscious but not alert,” he says. “With help from another firefighter, we pulled him out, and he ended up living. Knowing you made an impact on someone’s life like that—that’s the greatest feeling.”
Firefighting is more than just putting out flames. From medical emergencies to hazardous material spills, the work is relentless. “Lots of memorable calls,” Newsome reflects, “and some you wish you could forget.” Yet, despite the emotional toll, he remains passionate about his work. “I love what I do every day.”
Balancing Career and Volunteerism
Juggling dual roles as a paid firefighter in Reading and a volunteer Deputy Chief in Blandon requires a delicate balancing act.
“As a volunteer, it’s important to provide the same level of service as a paid firefighter because everyone deserves the best firefighter showing up at their house,” he explains. But that commitment requires extensive training, fundraising, and countless hours responding to emergencies—often with no compensation.
In Blandon alone, the department responded to nearly 950 calls in 2023, averaging multiple calls per day. “You never know when they’re coming, so you have to have a crew around 24/7, and they have to be trained to the highest level possible.”
Adding to his responsibilities, Newsome serves as a training officer, ensuring firefighters meet required standards while keeping up with evolving regulations. “You have to plan classes, reserve training sites, get people signed up for the classes they need,” he says. “It’s a lot of planning, but it’s necessary to keep our people prepared.”
Despite the challenges, Newsome is grateful for his support system. “I live with my girlfriend, and she’s involved in emergency services too, which makes things easier because she understands the demands.”
The Impact of Firefighting
Beyond the technical skills, Newsome believes firefighting instills values that shape both careers and character. “You meet so many people from different backgrounds—plumbers, electricians, all kinds of professionals,” he says. “It’s a great way to learn responsibility and discipline.”
At Blandon, young volunteers are given tasks as simple as taking out the trash. “If I can’t trust you to take out the trash, I can’t trust you on a fire scene where lives are at stake,” he explains.
More than anything, firefighting has given Newsome a profound appreciation for life. “You always hear about accidents happening, but when you see it firsthand—the people who thought it would never happen to them—it changes your perspective.”
Training the Next Generation
As a certified state instructor and an academy instructor for the City of Reading, Newsome is passionate about mentoring the next generation of firefighters.
“It takes a special person to be an instructor,” he says. “You have to push recruits to their limits, but also show them that you care. There’s a saying, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’ That’s true in firefighting.”
Each year, he helps guide new recruits through rigorous EMT and firefighting training. His goal? To set them up for success in the real world. “There’s a big difference between what’s in the book and how it’s done on the street. We have to prepare them for both.”
Community Support and the Future
Newsome believes that community support is critical for fire departments, especially volunteer companies that struggle with funding and recruitment. While Blandon has a strong relationship with the township, he acknowledges that public education is key.
“We need to do a better job of educating people about what’s involved, how much things cost, and how much time volunteers put in,” he says. “Once they understand, I think most people would be supportive.”
As for his own future, Newsome hopes to continue growing as a firefighter and a leader. “Eventually, I’d like to be promoted and help shape the next generation of firefighters. I had a lot of people help me along the way, and I want to give that back.”
Beyond the Firehouse
When he’s not at the station, Newsome enjoys traveling with his girlfriend, visiting family across the country, and exploring national parks. “It forces me to take a real break,” he admits. “If I’m home and something big happens at the firehouse, I’m still involved. But when I’m 3,000 miles away, I have to unplug.”
He also has a passion for mountain biking, welding—his former career—and, of course, pizza. “I’ll never turn down pizza,” he laughs, though he jokingly insists that West Coast pizza is superior. “I know I’ll get chastised for saying that, but I grew up on it!”
A Firefighter’s Legacy
Jesiah Newsome’s journey from a young volunteer in Oregon to a leader in Berks County’s fire service is a testament to his dedication. Whether he’s responding to a burning building, training the next generation, or advocating for better resources, his impact on the local firefighting community is profound.
And for Newsome, it all comes down to one simple principle: “I just want to make sure my people are taken care of. That’s what matters most.”