For 2 weeks, the Jennings Creek Wildfire has been burning through thousands of acres of land in Orange County, New York on the border of New York and New Jersey.
Hundreds of firefighters and first responders from near and far answered the call to assist local departments in fighting the blaze. It also helped that the Hudson Valley experienced their first rainfall (and snowfall for that matter) in over a month.
With that being said, the Jennings Creek Wildfire at last check was 90% contained. There is still a burn ban in effect across New York State until November 30th, 2024.
Now that the blaze has calmed, firefighters are able to breath a little easier and head back to their every day lives. One local Hudson Valley shop wanted to show their appreciation to a first responder and did so in a special way.
Robbie Jacobs is the owner and operator of Back in the Game Sports Consignment store in Florida, New York. He's been running the store for the last 3.5 years after he left the cooperate world.
Jacobs' family has 2 homes in the Greenwood Lake area, 1 being near Greenwood Lake and the other near Sterling Forest. Both areas were effected by the Jennings Creek Wildfire, but his daughter's house in Sterling Forest had flames come within 100 yards of her house.
Thanks to the quick acting firefighters battling the blaze, they were able to safely shelter in place with no serious damage to the home.
Which is exactly why he went above and beyond for a first responder that visited his store.
On Facebook, Jacobs shared a selfie that he took with a familiar face. The man in the photo is a firefighter who assisted in knocking down the Jennings Creek Wildfire.
He was visiting the store purchasing hockey equipment for his daughter.
Jacobs' writes:
As we mentioned earlier Robbie Jacobs left his job in the corporate world and decided to open Back in The Game Sports Consignment about 3.5 years ago.
Jacobs realized that the corporate world "is a little entitled" and when he first started, he decided to giveaway bikes. Since then, they've given away 12,000 bikes. He feels like his store is one "of those old Western General Stores. If you don't have enough money to buy what you need, we'll help you out."
In 2024, Jacobs explains they give away about 20 "previously loved" bikes a day. He ads that 20% of the bikes are brought in by donation, where he will then spruce them up and give them away to those who need them.
Not only has Back in The Game helped out people in need in his community, but it also helped Jacobs physical and mental health. He tells us before he opened the store, he was suffering from high blood pressure.
Now-a-days, Jacobs feels good and has a lower blood pressure than when he started. He explains that Back in The Game is a place where "People come here to catch a vibe, they don't even buy anything. It's a positive atmosphere."
If you're interested in donating a bike Jacobs says you can bring the bike right to the shop at 16 S Main Street, Florida, New York. They're open Tuesday through Sunday.
You can find them on Facebook and Instagram at Back in the Game Sports Consignment.