Neighborhood Hero: Palm Springs Fire Department Engineer Paramedic Jared Rogers

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Jared Rogers, an engineer paramedic with Palm Springs Fire Station 2, will be receiving the Medal of Valor on Wednesday for saving a fellow firefighters life.

Rogers told News Channel 3, he and his coworker were cutting holes on the roof of the Elk's Lodge, an abandoned structure that caught fire on March 9, 2024. While they were working to put it out, the roof collapsed from under them.

Being in a better position than his coworker and friend, Rogers said he then was able to "grab him and pull him out of it" for them to reach safety.

"The whole event was pretty scary," Rogers said. "Just feeling the roof out underneath us. And then afterwards, just thinking about what could have happened, potentially injuring or killing one of my good friends. It was kind of hard to deal with after."

Roger's captain on truck two said he was on duty that day, and he was worried for the safety of his crew.

"When the call came out, I thought to myself, 'I bet that’s going to be a big fire.'" Bonelli said. "It could have been a lot worse, but thank goodness it wasn’t."

Whether it's saving one of his friends and coworker, or saving people in every day life, Rogers said he was called to be a firefighter.

"I've always had the heart to serve others," he said. "I think God calls on us to serve, to put other people above ourselves. This job has given me the ability to do that."

Engineer Rogers will receive the Medal of Valor at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Police and Fire Luncheon at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Captain Bonelli said this recognition for Rogers is more than deserved.

“I’m glad the fire department and the community is recognizing him for its effort," Bonelli said. "It doesn’t always happen and we don’t expect recognition, but I think that it’s nice that it happens when it’s due.”

"I’m extremely humbled by the recognition," Rogers said. "I truly believe that God calls on us to act when it’s most important, and he gives us the strength to act, and I think that I was just in the right place at the right time.”

For information on the luncheon and tickets go to pschamber.org/police-and-fire-appreciation-luncheon/

Stay with News Channel 3 at 6 p.m. to hear more from Engineer Rogers and his captain about the day of fire, and what it means to receive the Medal of Valor.