Here is your chance to experience the lives of professional firefighters and rescuers. 



Academy Dates


  August
September

October

   

Classes are Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

*Saturday class is at 9:00 a.m.


Faces of C.A.R.T.


In Command Magazine Article - Trained Citizens Become a Resource - Check it out!!


 

What is the Citizen's Fire Academy?

The Citizen's Fire Academy is an extension of the Fire Division's community education efforts.  The purpose of the academy is to increase citizen awareness of the day-to-day operation of the Division by educating them on topics relative to the role of Firefighters and fire safety in our community.

The Academy is not intended to make citizens into firefighters, but to allow them to learn more about fire operations and fire safety.  Citizens will discover how the Fire Division prepares for and responds to emergencies.  They can also learn how to prepare their families and friends to survive an emergency.  In return, the Fire Division will benefit from the wealth of knowledge and talents the citizens bring to the academy.

It is our hope that the participants of this program will take what they have learned into the community to enhance safey awareness and make informed decisions on issues which affect the City and the Fire Division.

What Will I Learn?

All instruction is done by veteran firefighters and fire safety professionals.  The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to those used in the traditional fire academy, however, the weekly sessions are not intended to train the participant as a firefighter.

Students are instructed on such topics as: 

  • Communications and 9-1-1
  • Fire Division organization
  • Protective equipment
  • Incident command system
  • Fire chemistry and behavior
  • Water movement
  • Ladder use
  • Entry and ventilation
  • Search and rescue
  • First aid and CPR
  • Vehicle rescue/extrication
  • Fire prevention
  • Public fire safety education
  • Emergency vehicle operations
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Commercial protective systems
  • Smoke and CO detectors


Who can Participate?
Citizens who live or work in the city of Westerville or Blendon Township will be given first preference.  We also encourage citizens who do not fall into this category with an interest in the fire service to apply.

 

A criminal record and driving status is checked on each applicant.  The Westerville division of Fire reserves the right to deny acceptance to persons with a criminal history.

 

All applicants must be 21 years of age or older and live or work in the Westerville area.  All applicants will be subjected to a background check.  Participants must attend all of the classes to successfully complete the course.  Applicants will be notified by mail of their acceptance into program.



Cost?
Free! The only cost to participants is their time.  Participants are required to attend all of the classes to be eligible to graduate.

Where?
Most classes are held at the training facility located at 400 W. Main Street.  Some classes may be at other locations as required.

When?
Classes run one night per week from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. for 10 weeks.  Call the Fire Division, 614-901-6600 for the dates of the next available class.