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.
Gwinnett County
Government
Government
Winter Weather Alert : Some County services will be impacted by inclement weather conditions.
Learn MoreWelcome to the new GwinnettCounty.com : Read about all the exciting enhancements and changes.
Learn MoreCitizens Fire Academy
Citizens Fire Academy
Residents interested in participating in the academy must meet the following criteria:
- 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.
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.
The Citizens Fire Academy Participant Manual provides information on each activity.
| Session | Location |
|---|---|
| Welcome and Orientation Night | Fire Headquarters |
| Swiftwater Rescue/Hands-Only CPR | Station 14 |
| Tools/Water Supply/Fire Hose/Search & Rescue | Training Academy |
| TRT-GSAR/Fire Inspections | Station 24 |
| 911 Tour/Fire Investigations | Police Annex 911 |
| Fire and Medical Drills | Training Academy |
| Hazmat | Station 20 |
| SRU/Ladder Bucket/Fire Extinguisher | Station 31 |
| Class Graduation Ceremony | Training Academy |
How to Apply
Interested candidates must complete an application, after which eligibility will be verified. There are no fees to participate in the program. 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.