Rowlett offers “Citizens’ Fire Academy” for inside peek into fire department

by PegNews wire

ROWLETT — Get an insider’s view of the Rowlett Fire Rescue Department by enrolling in the Rowlett Citizens’ Fire Academy. Our free, seven-week program gives citizens fire safety training for the home and work place, plus hands-on experience in emergency operations. You’ll even get to “ride out” on emergency calls with firefighters! Join and learn more about the services the Rowlett Fire Rescue Department offers, while increasing your fire and life-safety awareness. This free program takes place each Thursday evening from 7 - 10 p.m. for seven weeks beginning October 16, 2008 through December 4 (No class on Nov. 27 for the Thanksgiving Holiday).

After a demonstration of physical agility testing, academy participants will be able to participate in the firefighters’ daily activities and learn what it takes to do their job. Later, firefighter instructors explain how to escape a burning building, as well as how to use a fire extinguisher in your own home to douse small flames.

Learn about Rowlett’s emergency medical services and ambulance operations. Department paramedics and EMT personnel will show the equipment carried on ambulances and engines, and explain how it's used. Find out about the public education classes the department offers to citizens and the type of fire safety messages taught to children during education events.

Academy highlights include classes about the type of rescue tools such as hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams, air bags, and air chisels that firefighters use in rescue situations. To simulate such an event, class participants will have the opportunity to use the rescue tools to cut apart a vehicle in a simulation of vehicle extrication. After this activity, students will experience firefighter life inside a fiery building as they dress in bunker gear and go through the "Smoke House" facility, used to teach children how to escape a house fire safely. All activities will be overseen by Rowlett Firefighters.

Application Forms are available at the Administrative offices of the Rowlett Fire Rescue. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled and space is limited. Please contact Gloria Adams at 972-412-6230.

Source: City of Rowlett