March 25, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
If you would like to get a first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a county volunteer firefighter then sign up today for the 10th session of the DeKalb County Fire Department Citizens’ Fire Academy.
The classes begin on April 16 and continue through May 21 meeting once a week on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Fire Department’s Main Station on King Ridge Road.
The deadline to register is March 31. Space is limited so book your spot today.
(VIDEO BELOW SHOWS CITIZENS’ FIRE ACADEMY PARTICIPANT LORA WEBB USING EXTRICATION EQUIPMENT NORMALLY DEPLOYED TO FREE VICTIMS OF CAR CRASHES)
County Fire Chief Donny Green said the academy is open to anyone age 18 or older who lives or works in DeKalb County.
“The purpose of the academy is to provide a behind-the-scenes look, from a citizens’ perspective, at the organizational structure, administration, operation, and response capabilities of the DeKalb County Fire Department and supporting agencies, such as the 911 Dispatch Center, law enforcement/investigations, emergency medical services, and fire prevention and safety agencies,” said Chief Green.
Participants may observe or actually get some hands-on experience by dressing up in firefighter turnout gear and operating department equipment including the jaws of life extrication tools under the supervision of the county firefighters.
There is no cost to participate and those who do will be provided a light meal at each session. A graduation ceremony will be held on the last night of the course May 21 and a meal will be served. Graduates of the class will also get an official DeKalb County Fire Department Citizens’ Fire Academy t-shirt.
For more information, contact Chief Donny Green at 615-464-7176.