Rowlett Fire Rescue honors 12 graduates of Citizen’s Fire Academy

by PegNews wire

ROWLETT — Rowlett Fire Rescue honored 12 graduates of the Citizen’s Fire Academy Class #12 on Wednesday, February 4 at Fire Station #1 for completing classes that provided them with the knowledge of what it takes to be a firefighter in today’s world.

The graduation ceremony was the culmination of an exciting and challenging 7weeks, where ordinary citizens gathered once a week for three hours to learn a variety of fire and rescue techniques.

“We are extremely proud of the graduates in this class,” said Fire Chief George Harris. “Participants are usually surprised at the complexity and dangers of being an emergency responder and the knowledge they take away from the Fire Academy is priceless.”

Academy highlights included CPR, basic first aid, extrication equipment operation, a visit by Careflite Air Medical, live fire training, ladder and hose operations, and fire and EMS equipment operations. Citizens learned about the types of rescue tools such as hydraulic cutters, spreaders and rams, air bags, and air chisels that firefighters use in rescue situations. They also experienced what it is like to be a firefighter, fully dressed in bunker gear, inside a fiery building at the Garland Fire Training Center. Rowlett Firefighters carefully oversaw all activities.

Now that the graduates have completed the class, they will have the opportunity to experience a 15-hour observation ride out with firefighters armed with the knowledge obtained during the class. They will actually be able to see the lessons taught applied and have a better understanding of fire/rescue operations.

Citizens are invited and encouraged to participate in ride outs with the department, but they will benefit more from attending the class first and then going on a ride-along. Citizens interested in participating in the next Citizen’s

Fire Academy class, which is planned for the end of the year, may sign up now

by contacting Fire Administration at 972-412-6230.

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Source: City of Rowlett