HEROISM ON THE HIGHWAY – Justin Jacobs received the inaugural Sky High Heroes award for saving the life of his coworker (second from left) Brinton Kelly. Pictured during the presentation at left is Jeffrey Sweeney, market manager, and their supervisor, who was joined by, at right, Tim Harris, president of Source Broadband, a NextEdge company.
It’s not every day that the chance to save a life presents itself. But when it does, will you have the courage, knowledge, and commitment to act and make a difference? Justin Jacobs no longer wonders about that answer. On July 18, 2024, in Nashville, TN, he dramatically saved the life of a valued teammate and close friend employed by wireless infrastructure contractor Source Broadband, a NextEdge company.
His team members were so proud of his quick thinking and heroic actions that they submitted his nomination to Sky High Heroes, a wireless and broadband infrastructure industry-supported program that celebrates those who not only fulfill their roles but exceed expectations through extraordinary contributions to their coworkers, communities, and the nation.
The selection committee found Justin’s actions went above and beyond in a dangerous and challenging situation to protect a co-worker and proudly presented him with their inaugural award, a gold-plated brass monopole trophy with LED obstruction lighting and a $1,000 check from New Jersey-based towerco Subcarrier Communications.
“Justin’s bravery and quick action embody the very best of our industry. We’re honored to support someone who made such a difference when it mattered most,” said Subcarrier President John Paleski.
Following a safe ending workday the near life-ending incident occurred
What began as an ordinary workday quickly turned into a life-or-death situation. Justin was driving in stop-and-go city traffic, directly behind his co-worker and friend, Brinton Kelly he had known for years.
They were chatting on the phone about work when his broadband coworker mentioned feeling lightheaded and suddenly stopped responding as his vehicle pulled slowly to the side of the road.
Realizing something was wrong, Justin immediately jumped out of his vehicle and ran to check on Kelly. What he found was alarming—his friend was foaming at the mouth and struggling to breathe, locked inside his still-rolling truck.
Thinking quickly, Justin ran back to his own vehicle, maneuvered it in traffic, and stopped both his truck and his colleague’s. But with the doors locked and no tools on hand to break the window, Justin was unable to gain immediate access.
Fortunately, two passing motorists witnessed the emergency and stopped to help. One was a retired firefighter who assisted in breaking the window with Justin, while the other motorist called 911.
Together, they managed to pull Kelly from the vehicle. He had no pulse and was not breathing, so they began performing CPR. Justin and the motorists took turns administering CPR until first responders arrived—first the police, followed by EMTs. Although the first responders arrived relatively quickly, those moments stretched into what felt like an eternity as they worked to keep Justin’s teammate alive.
Justin’s colleague, who had suffered a heart attack, regained consciousness briefly during the ambulance ride to Vanderbilt Hospital and spent several days in the ICU. He recovered at home and is now on light duty, and there’s no doubt that Justin’s quick and decisive actions saved his life.
Justin is 38 years old, married, and has two boys, a 12 and 13–a year old. He coaches his youngest son’s baseball team, which requires him to be CPR certified, and he has also received life-saving training at work. He has been in the cabling industry for 20 years, stringing cable up towers since he was 18.
Justin felt an adrenaline burst trying to save his close friend of more than 15 years, which allowed him to break the truck window with his fists alongside the other good Samaritan. That adrenaline also left him unable to eat or sleep for three nights, compounded by the fact that he stayed close to his buddy’s side at the hospital until he was out of the woods.
“Everybody thinks about what you would do in this situation. But really, when it happens, it all goes out the window,” Justin said. “I was so worried about him. I just wanted him to be okay. I wasn’t thinking about anything else.” At the time, he didn’t realize that his hands were bleeding from ripping open the fractured window.
Though it may sound like something from a “Mission Impossible” movie, this heroism is rare in everyday life.
“Justin’s selfless actions for a work colleague or anyone else in need speak volumes about his character and the close-knit culture at Source Broadband. A special thanks go out to Source Broadband’s leadership for fostering such strong bonds among the team—bonds that undoubtedly inspired Justin to step up and save a life,” said a Sky High Heroes spokesperson.
Additional information regarding Sky High Heroes and how to submit a wireless and broadband infrastructure individual or community support group for consideration at any time is available here.