Ever wonder what it takes to be a firefighter or emergency medical technician? How are they trained to handle emergencies? What are some simple things you can do to be better prepared in case of an emergency?
These questions and more will be answered during the inaugural Washington Fire Department’s Citizen’s Fire Academy.
The 10-week academy will meet 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays Aug. 2 through Oct. 11 and will give participants the opportunity to learn the tactics and strategies involved in firefighting and rescue operations through both classroom and hands-on sessions.
Members of the Washington Fire Department and other area departments with specialized training will lead hands-on courses such as fire extinguisher training and vehicle extrication training.
One scheduled presentation will be from the technical rescue team of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 42, which includes fire departments throughout Tazewell County and one from Mason County.
The technical rescue team has specialized training and equipment to rescue people in case of a structural collapse or other structural obstacle.
Another special guest will be a trained arson dog from the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
Participants will also be able to spray the fire hose and use a lot of the department’s equipment.
“I know people do not want to sit in a classroom for four hours. This class will be very active and hands-on,” Fire Chief Mike Vaughn said.
The goal, he said, is to raise awareness of Washington’s volunteer fire department and to spark interest in potential new volunteers.
“The academy exists to provide insight into the inner workings of the Washington Fire Department and to better inform the community it serves about the multitude of services it provides,” Vaughn said in a press release.
At the end of the course, participants will have the option of being active in the Citizen’s Fire Academy Alumni Association, helping with fire department open houses, the fire safety house for children and other community events.
For more information or for an application, contact Vaughn at 444-4650, or by e-mail at wfdsam1@omnilec.com before July 15. The first class will be limited to 15 participants. If the current class is filled, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the next academy. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
