Mason Cole Releases Song “Catch Him Next Time” in Memory of Jake Bridges

Country artist Mason Cole has released a new song titled Catch Him Next Time, written in memory of his best friend, Jake Bridges.

Jake Bridges, 20, served as a firefighter with the Hickory Fire Department. On June 5, 2025, he passed away after experiencing a medical emergency at the station following a structure fire response. Despite immediate efforts by fellow firefighters and medical teams, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Bridges joined the Hickory Fire Department in June 2023 after graduating from the Gaston College Fire Academy. He was a certified Level II Firefighter and EMT.

The song Catch Him Next Time reflects on Mason Cole’s friendship with Bridges and was released following his passing.