The Coppell Fire Department will conduct its third annual Citizen’s Fire Academy beginning Monday, April 29. The five-week Academy will meet twice weekly from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursday nights beginning April 29 and will last through May 23. The live fire event will occur on Saturday, June 1 followed by a graduation ceremony on the following Monday, June 3.

The Academy will allow participants the opportunity to learn the tactics and strategies involved in firefighting and rescue operations through both classroom sessions and hands-on exercises. Students will be outfitted with firefighting “bunker” gear as you experience the different aspects of the fire service, such as:

• Using the Jaws of Life to simulate a vehicle rescue.
• Being hoisted up in the bucket of the ladder truck.
• Hose drills while wearing a “blacked out” mask.
• Fire extinguisher training.
• And of course, the live fire event at the burn tower! 

In addition to these hands on exercises, students will also take a tour of the fire / police dispatch center. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about fire department communications and emergency management. The fire prevention portion of the academy will illustrate the value and function of fire sprinklers and discuss fire prevention measures that can be utilized in the home and workplace. Students will have the opportunity to receive CPR and basic First Aid training. Students will also obtain the knowledge of how to react positively in the event of a fire or medical emergency and how to select and use the proper fire extinguisher. The program covers the “all hazards” approach to emergency preparation and mitigation.

All Academy instructors are members of the Coppell Fire Department. These highly qualified personnel are committed to providing information to participants in a professional manner, with the intent of providing individualized instruction to every participant. A realistic balance of classroom time and practical exercises makes the course both informative and exciting. Class size will be limited, allowing for good interaction between instructors and participants while maintaining a safe learning environment.

Applications may be obtained at Fire Administration, 500 Southwestern Blvd. or downloaded on the city website at www.coppelltx.gov. To be eligible, participants must be at least 19 years of age and reside in Coppell. A criminal background check will be conducted on all candidates. Applications are due April 24, with the first class beginning April 29, 2013. The intent of the Coppell Citizen’s Fire Academy is to provide the participants with an in-depth understanding of the Coppell Fire Department but is not to be confused with the Fire Service Training Academy for future career firefighters. For more information, contact Prevention Captain David Malone at 927-304-7057.  

Story courtesy of the City of Coppell