The Westmont Fire Department is currently registering for the 2017 Spring Citizens Fire Academy. The Citizens Fire Academy will meet Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks from March 9 through Graduation Day, Wednesday, April 12.
The Citizens Fire Academy program is designed to help citizens better understand the Department’s firefighting and rescue operations as well as the multitude of services it provides to the community. The six-week course is not designed to train future firefighters, but educate residents who are interested in gaining an insider’s view of the lives of professional firefighters and EMS personnel.
“This academy helps the public have a better understanding of what Fire Department personnel does on a daily basis,” said Fire Department Deputy Chief Steve Riley. “Allowing the public to have some hands on experience gives residents a chance to see what our department faces during an emergency.” Riley added.
The course also provides fire safety training for the home and workplace. Participants experience the world of emergency services through hands-on activities. The curriculum is divided into three areas: classroom participation, hands-on practical training and live fireground activities. Every aspect of the program is voluntary, so if a participant prefers to observe rather than take part in a particular exercise, the experience will be adapted to ensure that the activity is interesting and enjoyable.
Participants must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, of good standing within the community, and reside, work, or volunteer within the Village of Westmont. There is no fee to participate. For further information or to request an application, please contact Chris Hardy at the Westmont Fire Department at chardy@westmont.il.gov or 630-981-6424.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280, lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
