Citizens Fire Academy Gets Second Term, Registration Open Until Feb. 28

Want to learn more about the City of Fairfax Fire Department? Get first-hand experience putting out a fire? Watch a car cut into bits with the Jaws of Life? Residents will get a chance to do that and more with this year's Citizens Fire Academy.

The three-month program introduces Fairfax City residents to those who work to keep their homes and businesses safe.

Started in fall 2012, the class includes two- to three-hour classes on a weekly basis. Last year's participants heard the gist of code administration, fumbled through a dark house for a fallen peer, extinguished a fire, and learned to properly fit a tourniquet and perform CPR. 

"This program is designed for people who have a genuine desire to learn about the daily life of firefighters, who want to increase fire and life safety awareness, and who wish to increase the awareness of the services provided by the City of Fairfax Fire Department," said Capt. Shawn Dunstan, who started the academy.

Classes are free. Registration for the spring 2013 class will remain open until Feb. 28. Click here to get started. There's only room enough for 16 students.

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