Is Firefighting in Your Future? Find Out Citizen Fire Academy Aug 5-9

Ever envisioned yourself handling a hose to put out a burning building or forcing a door and using advanced tools to perform search and rescue operations? Good news for you! Moorestown Fire Department and Lenola Fire Company are hosting a Citizen Fire Academy so you can see if you have what it takes to gear up and save lives.

The four-day event runs from August 5 through 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Moorestown Fire Department, 261 West Main St. and Lenola Volunteer Fire Company, 225 N. Lenola Rd. Those ages 18 and older interested in participating can apply on the department’s recruitment website www.moorestownfirefighter.org.

“After last year’s success, we’re very excited to host another event and give more people the opportunity to see if they have what it takes to protect our community as a firefighter,” said Fire District Administrator, Chris Chesner.

The first day entails meeting the instructors, an orientation of the fire department and a tour of all three fire stations in Moorestown. Other activities throughout the week include learning how the fire department extinguishes different fires, search and rescue operations, and vehicle extrication with hydraulic rescue tools.

“The Citizen Fire Academy gave me an opportunity to meet many of the existing volunteers and experience how they interact with each other,” said one of last year’s Citizen Fire Academy participants who joined as a volunteer. “Four highly engaging days relieved my anxiety about volunteering and I found there are opportunities for everyone here.”

Over the four days participants engage in evolutions such as advancing hose lines, raising ladders, vehicle extrication and forcible entry training. This event drives home the critical need for volunteer firefighters in the township by allowing residents to get the firefighter experience.

“Many residents in town don’t realize their firefighters are volunteers,” said Chesner. “We’re actively seeking volunteer firefighters and fire police to help keep our community safe.”

The Citizen Fire Academy experience could be your gateway into pursuing volunteer opportunities within the department.

Participation is capped at 20 people and Moorestown residents are given a priority. Those interested in being considered for the academy can apply here, https://moorestownfirefighter.org/citizens-fire-academy/ go to www.moorestownfirefighter.org and click “volunteer” then follow the link to Citizen Fire Academy.