HIGH POINT – The High Point Fire Department Citizen’s Academy is accepting applications for an 11-week program that aims to give the public an inside look at the world of firefighting.

The academy usually draws around 20 participants who range in age from 18 to more than 70 years old. Those who take part in the weekly, three-hour sessions include aspiring firefighters as well as a host of people who simply have an interest in learning about what the department does.

“This is the fifth year. Last year was the biggest group yet,” said Capt. Denita Lynch of the fire department. “I think we’re getting a lot of diversity. Everybody becomes like a family in there.”

Some of the topics covered include fire extinguisher use, fire inspections and investigations, department specialty teams and communications. Fire officials who conduct the sessions try to offer the participants opportunities for hands-on exercises, such as a simulated scenario the department’s hazardous materials team would face and a ride in a boat used by the water rescue team.

“We try to make it as easy and informative as we can. There’s a lot interaction with the firefighters, as we provide as much hands-on (experience) as possible, with safety being our primary goal,” Lynch said. “We don’t require anyone to perform any tasks that they don’t feel comfortable with.”

An array of department officials take part in the sessions, including fire investigators, who share what their job is like trying to determine the cause of a fire from what may appear to be little or no evidence.

Another point of emphasis for the academy is to impart fire safety messages that can be taken home and put to use.

“We want the public to have a better understanding of what the fire department really is and does,” Lynch said. “We want the participants to feel that going through the academy was time well spent and that they gained valuable information that will keep them and their families safer.”

pkimbrough@hpe.com | 888-3531

Applications

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The High Point Fire Department Citizen’s Academy is free, and you do not have to be a resident of the city to enroll. The only requirements are that participants must be at least 18 years old, cannot have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor, must complete an application, cannot miss more than three of the 11 scheduled classes and must do one ride-along. For more information or to obtain an application, contact Capt. Denita Lynch at 883-8551.