The City of Sugar Land will accept applications beginning July 6 for their eighth Citizens’ Fire Academy, scheduled from Aug. 19 through Oct. 2. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 6.
The only requirements to participate are a commitment to attend all eight sessions of the program, be at least 18 years old and either live or work in Sugar Land.
The course covers the following areas:
Fire Department Organization and History
Fire Communications: Students will learn about 911 and tour the Public Safety Communications Center.
Fire Science: Students will review the basics of fire science.
Protective Equipment: Students will try on and discuss the use and limitations of firefighter protective equipment, including bunker gear and Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.
Apparatus & Equipment: Students will experience fire apparatus and equipment up close and hands-on. Students will have the opportunity to schedule a ride-a-long on a fire truck for six hours during the eight week academy.
EMS/Rescue: Current EMS capabilities will be discussed, including a vehicle extrication scenario allowing students hands-on experiences with various types of rescue equipment.
CPR: This session will teach students the American Heart Association- Friends and Family CPR (non-credentialed, no card issued) basics.
Firefighter Requirements and Recruitment: Learn what is required to become a firefighter, EMT and what it takes to continue, including the training professional firefighters undergo.
Fire Prevention: Students learn about all aspects of fire prevention, basic arson investigation techniques, business inspections and programs currently being offered by the Fire Prevention- Public Education office.
Fire Extinguisher Training: This is a hands-on opportunity for students to learn safe and proper fire extinguisher use.
Disaster Preparedness: Students will be given an overview of the Emergency Management section of the department, including a session on hurricane and storm preparedness.
Incident Command: Learn the basics of how fire personnel handle incidents and what the incident command system is all about.
Fire Ground Strategies and Tactics: Fire personnel will demonstrate offensive and defensive fire attack, search, ventilation, salvage and overhaul, as well as hands-on opportunities for students at the Fort Bend County Fire Field located in Richmond, Texas.
Graduation Ceremony
Applications for the academy will be accepted online at www.sugarlandtx.gov or in person at the Fire Administration offices, 10405 Corporate Drive, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, July 6 to Aug. 6. For more information, contact Fire Capt. Michael McLemore at 281-275-2859 or Fire Lt. John Hanna at 281-275-2177.
I can’t wait!