For Jake Miller, fire and life safety isn’t just a career, it’s a lifelong commitment. As Senior Alarm Technician in Summit Fire Protection’s La Crosse branch, Jake brings nearly 20 years of fire alarm experience to the team while also serving as a volunteer firefighter and first responder in his hometown of Cashton, Wisconsin.
“Jake is always willing to go the extra mile making sure fire alarm systems are functioning properly and installation of new systems.” said Dave Wiggert, Branch Manager.
We sat down with Jake to learn more about his career journey, what motivates him, and how his experience in emergency response influences the work he does every day.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I’ve been in the fire alarm industry for almost 20 years now. I got my start in 2006 and have worked in fire alarm installation, service, inspections, and troubleshooting ever since. I’ve been with Summit for five years.
Outside of work, I’ve been a volunteer firefighter for 26 years and a first responder for 23 years. I started both right after high school and continue serving my community today.
Currently, I’m the Senior Alarm Technician in La Crosse, where I handle everything from inspections and service to installations, clean agent systems, sales support and mentoring newer technicians.
What does your role at Summit look like?
I wear quite a few hats.
I work on fire alarm systems, clean agent systems, inspections, service calls, troubleshooting, and installations. I also help with estimating projects, sales support, and dispatching technicians when needed.
Our office covers a large territory, including much of the Rochester area, so we stay busy. Every day is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the job.
How has your experience as a volunteer firefighter influenced your career?
It’s given me a completely different perspective.
I’ve seen firsthand what happens when fire protection systems fail, or when buildings don’t have the proper protection in place. Because of that, I take this work very seriously.
When I’m talking with customers, I can explain not only how the systems work, but why they’re important. This isn’t just equipment we’re installing or inspecting. These systems protect lives, property, and businesses.
That experience helps me connect with customers and reinforces why attention to detail matters.
What do you enjoy most about working at Summit?
The people.
We’ve built a great team in La Crosse. When I started, it was mostly just me and Dave, our Branch Manager, handling alarms. Today we’ve grown significantly, and it’s exciting to see the office continue expanding.
I also enjoy the variety of work. No two days are exactly the same, and there are always new challenges to solve.
You’ve become a mentor for newer technicians. What do you enjoy about that?
I really enjoy helping people learn.
One of our team members, Allison, has been working alongside me on alarms for several months now, and it’s been rewarding watching her grow and develop her skills.
Fire alarms can be a challenging trade to learn. There are countless systems, panels, and devices out there. It takes time and experience to become comfortable with everything.
Being able to share what I’ve learned over the years and help someone else succeed is something I take a lot of pride in.
What advice would you give someone new to the industry?
Be patient.
Fire alarm systems aren’t something you learn overnight. Even after nearly 20 years, I still learn new things regularly.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take advantage of the experience around you. The people who are successful in this industry are the ones who stay curious and continue learning.
Is there a project that stands out in your career?
One project that comes to mind is a large clean agent system installation we completed at Fastenal in Winona, Minnesota.
It was the largest clean agent system I’ve personally worked on and included laser detection technology that was new to us at the time. It was a challenging project, but it turned out exceptionally well and was a great learning experience.
Projects like that remind you why you enjoy the work and how much can be accomplished when a team works together.
What motivates you every day?
My family is a big motivator.
I recently got married, and my wife and son are a huge part of why I work hard every day.
Beyond that, I genuinely enjoy what I do. I like solving problems, helping customers, and seeing projects come together successfully. There’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing you’ve helped protect people and property.
What are your goals for the future?
I’d like to continue growing with Summit.
I’ve been fortunate to learn a lot over the years, and eventually I’d like the opportunity to move into a leadership role. Right now, my focus is continuing to help our team succeed, mentoring others, and supporting the growth of our La Crosse branch.
What keeps you excited about the fire protection industry after all these years?
The fact that the work matters.
Whether I’m responding to an emergency call as a firefighter or installing a fire alarm system as a technician, the goal is the same: helping keep people safe.
That’s something I’ve been passionate about for more than two decades, and it’s what continues to drive me every day.
