July 21, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2010-28) 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 Applications for Mobile Fire-Rescue Department’s (MFRD) Citizens Academy are now being accepted. The next academy is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 13. 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 age 21 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 Fire Museum, a tour of the harbor onboard the fireboat Phoenix, rappelling from the 4-story drill tower just to name a few. 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 Media Relations Office at 251-208-2857, or come by the training facility to obtain an application. Early application is encouraged since class size is limited. This is not an offer of employment but an opportunity to learn about the fire-rescue service. ###