Citizens Fire Academy a Chance to 'Walk in the Boots' of West Des Moines Firefighters

Applications are being accepted for a nine-week Citizens Fire Academy course that will give West Des Moines residents a chance to “walk in the boots” of a West Des Moines firefighter and gain greater understanding of how the fire department works.

This is the 10th year for the West Des Moines Fire Department’s intense, hands-on training, according to a story in the city’s e-newsletter,

Classes are held on Mondays from 6:30-9:30 p.m., beginning March 25. Two Saturday sessions will also be held on May 11 and May 18.

Over the nine weeks of the program, participants will be taught fire safety and prevention strategies and firefighting tactics, and will also learn more about the behavior of fire, fire investigation and related topics.

The knowledge to be gained in the classroom lectures is extensive, but the interactive, hands-on fire academy will allow participants to experience what firefighters experience. Participants will gain practical skills and information they can apply at their workplaces or at home, such as fire extinguisher training and home and work fire safety tips to create a more safety-conscious environment in the community.

Some of the training exercises  include:

• Vehicle extrications
• High-angle rope rescue
• Appropriate response to vehicle fires
• Searching a room for a trapped vicim
• Fighting a live structure fire
• Learning to drive a fire truck

Participants will bet a free Citizens Fire Academy T-shirt and personalized bunker gear photo, and will have an opportunity to ride along on a working shift.

For information on how to apply, call Fire Marshal Mike Whitsell at (515) 222-3437.