First Citizens Fire Academy Class Prepares To Graduate

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The city of Sandy Springs is well known for its partnerships and active community involvement.

In keeping with tradition, Sandy Springs Fire Rescue will graduate its first Citizens Fire Academy class at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at Sandy Springs City Hall.

The Citizens Fire Academy is designed to train community members to be able to assist the fire department with non-suppression activities.

The eight-week program provides an overview of all aspects of the department’s operations.

“Our goal is to develop a volunteer group which is able to act as a support response team providing assistance on smaller, yet important tasks that are a part of incident response,” said Sandy Springs Fire Rescue Chief Keith Sanders.

Classroom instruction includes department organizational structure and how it interacts and works with ChatComm, the city’s 9-1-1 service.

Class participants learn about fire behavior, how to operate the various apparatus including hose lines and breathing devices, and are trained in extrication and technical rescue equipment. Students also receive basic first aid training, leaving the class CPR and AED certified.

Hands-on instruction includes a simulated fire exercise, and each class member completes a 12-hour shift in one of the city’s four fire stations.

The program is free for participants, but they must attend all instructional sessions. The inaugural class will graduate 15 participants. Sandy Springs City Hall is located at 7840 Roswell Road.

For more information about the program, visit the Fire Department’s Volunteer Program page on the city’s website.

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Photo credit: city of Sandy Springs