Wesson volunteer firefighter balances Army Guard, Co-Lin studies

By Jessica Breazeale

Wesson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ken Caraway (left) and volunteer Carter Goff (right).

For Carter Goff, joining the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department wasn't just a way to give back to his new community — it was the fulfillment of something he says he always knew about himself.

"I had a thing all my life that I just knew I was going to be a first responder," Goff said.  "I had to be law enforcement, firefighters, something."

Goff, 19, is a student at Copiah-Lincoln Community College majoring in criminal justice.  He joined the Wesson Fire Department in October of last year, adding to volunteer service he already performs with Liberty Fire Department in his home county of Amite and with Roxie Fire Department.

"Whenever I found out about volunteer fire departments, and I figured out when I could join them, I said, okay, this is going to be my first step in the door," Goff said.

Carter Goff

Goff is also a member of the Army National Guard, along with his twin brother.  The brothers hold different military occupational specialties — one trains as a wheeled vehicle mechanic, the other in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear response, commonly known as HAZMAT.

Goff said his next step is transferring to Mississippi State in May to continue his degree, a move that will also mean stepping away from the Wesson Fire Department.  His long-term career goal is to join the U.S. Marshals Service's Internet Crimes Against Children unit after finishing his criminal justice degree at Co-Lin. 

Goff said the department's greatest ongoing need is more volunteers, along with supply and monetary donations.

The department recently received a $10,000 grant through the 2026 Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program, funded by the National Volunteer Fire Council and State Farm.

Goff said serving with the department has helped him connect with the Wesson community since arriving as a student at Co-Lin.

"Joining the fire department was a way for me to meet the community and just get myself out there," he said.  "I'm always someone who wants to help in every way possible."

Community events have been on the department's calendar recently.  A fire prevention class brings firefighters, including Goff, to area daycares — Wesson Baptist, Precious Moments and the daycare on the Co-Lin campus, and the department's annual flea market was held Saturday, October 17.

Goff offered a reminder to drivers who see emergency lights on the road, whether or not the vehicle looks like a typical patrol car or fire truck.

"Someone's probably having the worst day of their life," he said.  "Please just move over."

Residents interested in joining or donating the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department are encouraged to contact Fire Chief Ken Caraway at 601-754-0394.  The department holds meetings the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m., though the third Monday meeting is typically reserved for training.