Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Rowlett offers 2008 Citizens’ Fire Academy class

By Pegasus News 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 us - and learn more about the services your Rowlett Fire Rescue Department offers, while increasing your fire and life safety awareness. This free program takes place each Thursday from 7 - 10 p.m. for seven weeks beginning in late April, 2008.

Learn about testing procedures and the physical agility testing required for all applicants. After a demonstration of physical agility testing, academy participants will be able try their hand at it. Choose between climbing an aerial ladder, dragging a 150-pound dummy, pulling a fire hose, or try it all! 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 you the equipment carried on our ambulances and engines, and we'll 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 our "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 and can be downloaded from Rowlett.com beginning February 11. The next CFA class will begin in late April, 2008. Contact Gloria Adams at 972-412-6230. The media is encouraged to participate the classes.

Source: City of Rowlett

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