Citizens Fire Academy
Citizens Fire Academy is a nine-week program offered twice a year to residents, college students, and business owners in our county. Participants will experience the Fire and Emergency Services Department first-hand by learning about the organization, the services we provide and valuable fire and life safety information that increases knowledge of what to do in emergency situations. Participants will also have the opportunity to go through simulated firefighting and EMS scenarios, and witness life and work at the fire station.
Program Goals
Residents interested in participating in the academy must meet the following criteria:
Graduation Requirements
To get the optimal experience from the Citizens Fire Academy, participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants may only miss two sessions to graduate from the program. The Welcome Night and Graduation are required.
- Must be 18 years or older and live or work in Gwinnett, or attend a college or university in Gwinnett
- Have an interest in learning about Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services
- Attend all sessions (maximum of two excused absences with make-up during the next session). Participants are required to attend Welcome Night and Graduation.
- Employees wishing to apply to the program must receive written department approval.
Graduation Requirements
To get the optimal experience from the Citizens Fire Academy, participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants may only miss two sessions to graduate from the program. The Welcome Night and Graduation are required.
Program Schedule
The Citizens Fire Academy’s scheduled events will be decided weekly from the itinerary below. The schedule is subject to change based on the availability of field units, instructor personnel, and weather conditions.
Welcome Night
Location - Training Academy
- Introduction of Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services senior staff and program support staff
- Department overview
- Completion of onboarding paperwork
911 Center
Location - 911 Center
- Walkthrough of Gwinnett County 911 Emergency Dispatch Center
Inspections and Investigations
Location - Fire Headquarters
- Presentation on the Prevention and Enforcement Section to include an overview of the Fire Inspector’s role and responsibility in keeping our community safe, among other life-saving topics.
- Presentation on the Fire Investigations Section to include an overview of the Fire Investigator’s role and responsibility in investigating a fire, along with how you can help reduce fire risks in our community.
Community Education
Location - Fire Headquarters
- Mobile Fire Safety House demonstration
- Hands-on training of Fire Education’s role and responsibilities
- Hands-only CPR training
- Fire extinguisher training
Training Academy Night 1
Location - Training Academy
- Demonstration and explanation of the self-contained breathing apparatus and bunker gear
- Engine company walkthrough and explanation of extrication equipment and other tools
Training Academy Night 2
Location - Training Academy
- Hands-on hose line and water supply demonstration
- Hands-on search and rescue demonstration
Training Academy Night 3
Location - Training Academy
- EMS and fire drills on an ambulance and fire engine
Specialty Teams Night
Location - Training Academy
- Overview and demonstration of specialty teams: SwiftWater, Trench Rescue/Georgia Search and Rescue, and HazMat teams
- Bucket ladder truck drill
Graduation Night
Location - Fire Headquarters
- Graduation ceremony with remarks by senior staff
How to Apply
Residents interested in participating in the academy must meet the following criteria:
Graduation Requirements
To get the optimal experience from the Citizens Fire Academy, participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants may only miss two sessions to graduate from the program. The Welcome Night and Graduation are required.
- Must be 18 years or older and live or work in Gwinnett, or attend a college or university in Gwinnett
- Have an interest in learning about Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services
- Attend all sessions (maximum of two excused absences with make-up during the next session). Participants are required to attend Welcome Night and Graduation.
- Employees wishing to apply to the program must receive written department approval.
Graduation Requirements
To get the optimal experience from the Citizens Fire Academy, participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants may only miss two sessions to graduate from the program. The Welcome Night and Graduation are required.
Interested candidates must complete an application, after which eligibility will be verified. There are no fees to participate in the program.
Please note: Candidates for the program will be selected by staff representatives designated by the Fire Chief/Department Director. A submitted application does not guarantee your participation in the program.
