Witnessing a tragedy inspires young man to become a firefighter | News [Video]

ROCHESTER, Minn. – 19-year-old George Charnin officially joined the Rochester Fire Department Wednesday evening after seeing someone lose their life in a fatal bicycle accident in 2021.

Charnin, along with seven other firefighters, were handed their badges and fire helmets at a RFD graduation ceremony on Wednesday.

Charnin says he witnessed a fatal biking accident in June of 2021 in Rochester. After watching first responders do everything they could to try to save the victim, he knew wanted to protect and serve his community as a career.

“It’s the best career in the world. You show up and people are excited to see you and you’re driving on the street and kids are waving at you and you solve people’s problems,” said Charnin.

The 19-year-old graduated from Mayo High School and participated in the school’s firefighter program. He learned about the job and earned college credits to work toward becoming a …