Citizens Fire Academy coming to EMC

Bravery, hands-on education and insight into the working of the fire department are all topics of the Citizens Fire Academy coming to East Montgomery County. The New Caney Fire Department will host the first EMC Citizens Academy from March 3rd until May 12, with a graduation ceremony May 16.

“They will learn the how, what, and why of training to become a firefighter and maintain certification”, New Caney Fire Chief Jeff Taylor said. “Experience a normal day in the life of a firefighter at the station, trainings, duties, and calls.”

The 10-week program is free and each student will learn extensive information about the fire department. Participants will receive a CPR card upon completion of the course and learn how the Jaws of Life are used on vehicle extrication to save lives.

The last class day prior to graduation, participants will experience live burn drills. “We will light a fire, pull the hose, hook up to the hydrant, and allow students to experience an emergency fire environment,” Taylor explained. Chief Taylor explained that each class will be trained in taking gear on/off, putting on air packs and how to pull the hose. “Every aspect of the firefighter’s life, they will learn and experience,” Taylor said. “I am hopeful that this first group will form an alumni graduate group that will morph into a Citizens Emergency Response Team capable of supporting the fire department in the event of a tornado, flood or similar event.

“This is not a recruit class but an opportunity for community citizen to learn more about firefighting, the communication center where 911 calls are processed, state and federal regulations, and how the department is funded locally,” Taylor said.

The academy will begin March 3^rd 6:30-9:30 pm and continue every Tuesday night through May 12. The class is limited to the first 20 participants. Every applicant will be reviewed, and must be medically cleared to participate. “Students must be 18 years of age or older because of the nature of the job that we do,” Taylor said. “We recognize that danger does exist, and we are taking every precaution to bring the students in a controlled environment with an instructor.” For more information on the Citizens Fire Academy contact Captain Lonnie Cantwell at 281-689-3112 or lcantwell@ncfd15.com