Mobile Fire-Rescue Dept Taking Applications for Citizens Academy

Jul 28th, 2008

Mobile Fire-Rescue Department is now accepting applications for its next Citizens Academy, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 3 at 6 p.m. The ten week course consisting of one night a week, two-three hours each evening, will provide participants with an overview of the major divisions within the department as well as a general overview of firefighting and emergency medical services. The deadline for applying for the free program is August 15 and class size is limited.

The Citizens Academy is a hands-on learning program and a great opportunity for persons that reside or work in the City of Mobile who want to know more about their fire-rescue department.

Interested persons can download an application from the department’s web site at http://www.cityofmobile.org/fire/div_citizens_aca.php or by calling 208-2868. Completed applications can be faxed to 208-2861.

Experienced fire and medical personnel, all within the ranks of the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, will teach the Citizens Academy curriculum. Participants will learn and be certified in C.P.R., take a tour of the Mobile Harbor on board the Fireboat Phoenix, rappel from the four-story training tower, tour the 9-1-1 Center, participate in a live fire demonstration, and do ride-a longs onboard fire and rescue units, just to name a few.

The Academy is designed to increase understanding of the fire and emergency medical services and to promote citizen interaction with Mobile Firefighters and Firemedics. The program is also designed to enhance awareness of the department’s capabilities and limitations; develop realistic expectations of response times from the point of dispatch; and to develop a cooperative relationship between firefighters and the citizens of Mobile.