January 21, 2009 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2009-04) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org CITIZENS FIRE ACADEMY APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department will start another Citizens Fire Academy March 9. The program will provide participants with an overview of the major divisions within the department as well as a general overview of fire fighting and emergency medical services and provide hands-on experiences. The class is free and open to residents of Mobile 21 years and older. Participants will meet Monday evenings for ten weeks from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fire training Academy; 860 Owens St. across from the City of Mobile Animal Shelter. Experienced fire and emergency medical personnel, all within the ranks of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, will teach the Citizens Fire Academy curriculum. Participants will also experience first hand what firefighters and firemedics do during a tour of duty. Activities will include a ride-along with firefighters/firemedics, instruction and certification in C.P.R., a visit to the 911 Communications Center and Phoenix Fire Museum, a tour of the harbor onboard the fireboat Phoenix, rappelling from the 4-story drill tower and a live structure fire demonstration. Interested persons may download an application form from the MFRD Web site at www.cityofmobile.org/fire to mail or fax (251-208-2861). Applicants may also call the Training Academy at 251-208-2868 or 251-208-2857, or come by the facility to obtain an application. Early application is encouraged since class size is limited. ###