Brownwood News – 2017 Brownwood High School graduate Caydon Vara received a $1,000 scholarship from the Brownwood Professional Firefighters Association (BPFA) as part of the B.J. Carnes memorial fund. Vara plans to attend the Weatherford Firefighter Academy.

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Pictured above is (from left to right) Former BPFA Secretary Matt Campbell, Caydon Vara, and BPFA President Kyle Whitley.

Cayden Vara grew up next door to Shannon Stone, a Brownwood firefighter who passed away in July 2011. Shannon Stone was a lieutenant and had been with the Brownwood Fire Department for nearly 18 years.

The B.J. Carnes Scholarship is predominately for students with an interest in pursuing careers in firefighting or emergency medical services. B.J. Carnes was a Brownwood firefighter from 2004-2008. Carnes died off duty while piloting a private plane. The scholarship in his name was established in 2009. Eight students so far have received funds from the scholarship program. Interested students may pick up a scholarship application at the Brownwood Central Fire Station.

To donate to the B.J. Carnes Scholarship Fund, contact the Brownwood Fire Department: (325) 646-8204