On the evening of Dec. 11, 2019, three young men in Barren County, Ky., saw a barn ablaze and immediately took action.
The trio comprised Jaxen Arms, Mason Pennington and Jonathan London, all of whom attend Barren County High School in Glasgow. Together, they rescued approximately 80 head of cattle and salvaged a significant amount of equipment, saving the owner an estimated $300,000.
“My father is good friends with the man who owns the barn, Mr. Gary Scott, and I knew he would do the same thing for us if the situation were reversed,” says Arms, who is a member of the Barren County FFA along with Pennington. “We didn’t hesitate — we just acted. We knew what we had to do, and we’ll do it again if we’re ever in the same situation.”
Arms, Pennington and London were recognized for their heroic efforts at a Barren County Board of Education meeting in January 2020, with Barren County High School Principal Amy Irwin praising them for their selflessness, bravery and willingness to serve a neighbor despite such dangerous circumstances.
Although the young men say they don’t deserve accolades for their actions, it’s safe to say the community won’t soon forget their courageous response in the name of helping one of their own.
“As an ag teacher and FFA advisor, I’m always glad to hear of my students doing positive things in the community,” says Dr. Andy Joe Moore, who serves as the advisor of the Barren County FFA with Doug Berry and A.J. Mitchell. “In this situation, these students demonstrated courage and leadership, loyalty to their neighbors and community, and their undeniable love for livestock. While we’re proud to claim them as our FFA members, their actions are a testament to the young men their families have raised them to be.”
