The Story
New England affectionate slang for Firefighter

The term "Jake" is derived from the term "J-Key". The first street-corner fire alarm box system was invented and constructed in the city of Boston, and was based on a telegraph system. Boston firefighters and the telegraphs that these men were familiar with were the U.S. Army issue J-3 portable telegraph key, as well as other military J-Series telegraph keys, which were all known commonly as "J-Keys ". These veterans used this as a common slang for the keys they used inside their fire alarm boxes. Being a "Good J-Key" meant a fireman who was cool under the pressure and could send clear morse code. "J-Key" was eventually shortened to "Jake", and became a common term for firefighters in general.
To be called a "Good Jake" is still the highest form of praise a firefighter can possibly receive from a peer.

We Salute You. Thank You! To all firefighters everywhere for your willingness to place your personal safety on the line every day in order to protect our families and communities. We appreciate all that you do. You are ALL truly "Good Jakes" and we salute you as "America's Bravest"! Stay Safe!