Local residents who might’ve wanted to become firefighters when they grew up — but never did — will get another chance to experience that dream through an upcoming program.
After a successful debut in 2023, the Mount Airy Fire Department is preparing to roll out its Citizens Fire Academy for a second year.
Requests are being accepted for the program that will include five 90-minute class sessions to run from May 6 to June 10, including hands-on activities providing a behind-the-scenes look at firefighters’ work.
“The program offers a way for citizens to find out how their fire department operates and answers a lot of the questions surrounding why we do what we do,” Fire Chief Zane Poindexter explained.
“We will go over many topics that include budgeting, apparatus, gear, EMS response, fire prevention, fire marshal inspections and a whole lot more,” Poindexter added.
After a Citizens Police Academy proved successful in Mount Airy for about 20 years, allowing residents to learn about the inner-workings of local law enforcement, the decision was made to launch a counterpart for the fire service segment.
The first-ever class of the Citizens Fire Academy last spring included 10 graduates, who received special recognition during a meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners.
They were given the opportunity to relate their experiences while meeting over multiple weeks in a classroom at the fire station on Rockford Street.
Graduates told about being able to ride on the department’s ladder truck, put out blazes with an extinguisher and participate in a ride-along with a fire crew.
“We have new respect for our firefighters,” one of last year’s students said of his participation in the program.
Along with residents getting a chance to learn about firefighting operations, the program aids educational goals of the department such as prevention and safety.
Upcoming schedule
The 2024 Citizens Fire Academy will be held on Mondays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. beginning on May 6 and continuing each week to June 10, skipping a session on May 27 for Memorial Day. The full class slate includes May 6, 13 and 20 and June 3 and 10.
Persons wishing to participate in the second-annual program can contact Chief Zane Poindexter via email at zpoindexter@mountairy.org or by phone at 336-786-3574.
Applicants should submit their names, addresses and best contact numbers within emails sent.
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