Last March, junior Jacob Carnes races with his team from the Rogers Fire Department to a car accident on highway 540. They get the man out of his car, give him CPR, and transport him to Mercy Hospital. The man was in a coma for the night, and the next morning he passed away.

“You never forget when someone dies,” said Carnes, “ You have nightmares, try to forget about it, and slowly it goes away temporarily.”

Carnes is in a fire program with the Rogers Fire Department. The program is for ages 16 through 21 and offers hands on experience to get people ready for a career as a firefighter.

“When I was little I always saw fire trucks and have always been fascinated with it,” said Carnes.

Carnes attends this program for 16 hours a day, once or twice every two weeks. He does this on top of his school work, two jobs, and the two sports he plays, football and hockey.

“It’s really hard to balance it all,” said Carnes, “The program is open to work around your schedule, but you have to keep a set agenda.”

Carnes started this process three and a half years ago. Even though there are some tough moments, there are good ones too.

“The best moments in this program have been the brotherhood and that I do go out and help people. I’m saving lives,” said Carnes.

Carnes will stay in this program until he turns 21. Then he will have to see if he passes the requirements before he knows if he has a job with the Rogers Fire Department or not.

“I’ve become a stronger leader,” said Carnes, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the program. I have a set future now. Starting out young has been the best thing I’ve done.”