Central Nova News

The Alexandria Fire Department has announced that it is now accepting applications for its spring 2024 Community Fire Academy. The program, which is free of charge, is open to residents of the City of Alexandria who are 18 years of age or older, as well as those who work or own businesses in the City. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 16.

The Community Fire Academy aims to educate community members about fire safety and emergency medical response, while also providing insight into the history, administration, operations, and apparatus of an urban public safety agency. By fostering partnerships within the community, the Academy seeks to enhance understanding of the fire department's workings and encourage volunteering.

Participants in the program will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on demonstrations that simulate a typical day in the life of a firefighter/paramedic. They will learn various skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), hose line stretching, ladder operations, and the operation of fire engines and trucks. The 8-week program will cover a range of topics, including EMS, finance, fire investigations, special operations, emergency management, and human resources.

The Community Fire Academy sessions will be held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., starting on March 13 and concluding with a graduation ceremony on May 1. Interested individuals can find more information about the program and apply at alexandriava.gov/Academies.

For any inquiries regarding the Community Fire Academy, individuals can reach out to Leslie Palucho, the Community Outreach Coordinator Firefighter, at AFDOutreach@alexandriava.gov. Media inquiries can be directed to Raytevia Evans, the Senior Public Information Officer, at raytevia.evans@alexandriava.gov or (703) 746-5190.

For the original news release, please visit alexandriava.gov/go/5422.