Back in June Alex Berton and Ben Carnes were selected for appointment to the PHFPD. After the usual background checks and medical exams, both were sent to the fire academy beginning July 15 and spent nine, 50-hour weeks in training. On Friday, August 13 Alex and Ben graduated from the NIPSTA Fire Academy. Chief Smith and BC Oeltgen, the PHFD's Director of Training, attend the ceremony with the familes of Ben and Alex.

Alex lives in Chicago and has been assigned to Gold Shift. Ben Carnes lives in Arlington Heights and has been assigned to Red Shift. Ben is a second-generation firefighter, the son of LT Mike Carnes, Glenview FD, and PHFD alum serving from 1993-1998.

Welcome to the team, Ben and Alex! We’re glad to have you and proud of what you’ve accomplished so far.