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2020
Jan. 17, 2020

Bridges to Prosperity Spotlight: Jake Dwyer

Bridges to Prosperity Spotlight: Jake Dwyer

BB Renovations Superintendent, Jake Dwyer, has helped so many people throughout his life through work— helping people during times of crisis as a firefighter and a medic, and helping rebuild and renovate homes for military families as a member of the Renovations team. On the suspension bridge team, he was able to help even more people and spread his love of volunteering internationally. 

Learn more about Jake and what his Bridges to Prosperity experience was like by reading on!

Role on team: Safety Lead

Role responsibilities: 
Ensure all team and community members have an understanding or safety policies and work is performed in a safe manner adhering to the OSHA 1926 & Balfour Beatty’s Zero Harm platform, perform daily safety inspections, perform onsite medical if needed, help in all aspects of the build.

What made you want to volunteer for the effort?
  I was a professional firefighter/medic for 15 years— helping and protecting others has always been a primal driving force in my life. It was what I was made to do. Help and be in service to something bigger than myself. 

What is your favorite memory from the experience? 
My favorite memory of this build was seeing the community we built for walk across the finished bridge for the first time, laughing and smiling knowing they finally have a safe means of crossing a river that has taken lives of people they loved. 

Did you learn anything new while working on the project? 
I learned that even with the barriers of language one kind deed will trigger another, this small gesture of building a bridge will add so much quality to the lives of the people of this community and I hope it compels others to give and help where they can.

Have you done something similar to Bridges to Prosperity before? 
During my firefighting career, I have helped with hurricane recovery efforts in different cities in the southern United States. I have also competed in the firefighter stair climb and numerous "Strongest Firefighter" competitions to help raise money for children’s leukaemia. But giving everything I have emotionally and physically for a charity like this was a new experience and one emotionally changed me and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

Anything else you’d like to add?
I would encourage everyone to take a step a leap outside of your comfort zone and give yourself to one of these amazing experiences, be a part of something bigger than yourself and give to something that will change you for the better. To push you to be a better version of yourself. 

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