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The free six-week evening class, which begins Oct. 2, is open to all Fair Lawn and Glen Rock residents 25 and older.
It will cover engine and truck company operations, motor vehicle extrications and other responsibilities firefighters tackle on each call.
Designed for those with a general interest in firefighting, the hands-on experience is “a great first step for people considering a longer-term commitment to volunteering for their local fire department,” said Doug Sadowski, coordinator of the class and 30-year volunteer firefighter.
“Participants will be in full firefighting gear and get a chance to operate some of the equipment and tools we use in a safe controlled environment,” he said.
“For people who have ever considered volunteering, it’s a great way to feel what so many firefighters experience every day,” Sadowski said.
“Over the last few years, Glen Rock and Fair Lawn Fire Departments have really strengthened our partnership,” Fair Lawn Fire Chief Marc Palmieri said. “Providing a pilot program like the Citizen’s Fire Academy is the next logical step.
“The Fair Lawn Police Department has been offering a Citizen’s Police Academy for many years,” Palmieri said. “We used that as our model.”
“The Citizen’s Fire Academy will give residents a better understanding of firefighting,” Glen Rock Fire Chief Tom Jennings said. “For some it may be a pathway to becoming a full-time volunteer.
“It is our hope that interested citizens will take advantage of this opportunity and see just how rewarding it is to be a firefighter and help protect others in the community,” Jennings said.
APPLICATION: cfa@fairlawnfire.org. Or go to: www.facebook.com/FLGRCFA.
INFO: Doug Sadowski at cfa@fairlawnfire.org.
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