Citizens Fire Academy is a nine-week program offered twice a year to residents, college students, and business owners in our county. This nine-week class meets weekly and includes hands-on experiences, demonstrations, station visits, and an inside look at how fire and emergency services teams operate in Gwinnett County. Participants will learn 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. Participants who successfully complete all required sessions, including Welcome Night and Graduation Night, will receive a Certificate of Completion.
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Citizens Fire Academy
Program Goals
The goal of the Citizens Fire Academy is to provide participants with a greater understanding of Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services and the critical role the department plays in protecting the community. This program is designed to go beyond classroom learning by offering hands-on experiences and behind-the-scenes access to fire and emergency operations.
Through the academy, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Tour fire stations and observe daily station operations
- Learn life-saving skills such as Hands-Only CPR and fire safety practices
- View firefighting equipment, tools, and protective gear in use
- Visit the 911 Center to understand emergency call handling and dispatch operations
- Learn about specialized response teams, including Hazardous Materials, Technical Rescue, and Swiftwater Rescue
- Participate in drills and interactive demonstrations
The program also aims to help participants:
- Better understand how fire and EMS professionals serve and protect the community
- Make informed safety decisions at home, work, and in public spaces
- Build stronger relationships with local first responders
- Become informed advocates for fire and life safety in their neighborhoods
By completing the Citizens Fire Academy, participants gain valuable knowledge, practical safety skills, and a deeper connection to public safety efforts in Gwinnett County.
Residents interested in participating in the Citizens Fire Academy must meet the following criteria and be prepared to fully engage in the nine-week program experience:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Live or work in Gwinnett County, or attend a college or university located in Gwinnett County
- Have an interest in learning about Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services and public safety operations
Attendance is required at all sessions, with a maximum of two excused absences (make-up sessions must be completed during the next session)
Attendendance at Welcome Night and Graduation Night is required.
Participants should be aware that some sessions may include light physical activity, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive learning experiences. All participants are expected to follow safety guidelines and staff instructions throughout the program.
To get the optimal experience from the Citizens Fire Academy, participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions. Participants may miss no more than two sessions to remain eligible for graduation. Attendance at both Welcome Night and Graduation Night is required.
Participants who successfully meet all attendance and participation requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the program.
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 |
Sessions rotate across several department facilities, including fire stations, the Training Academy, and the 911 Center. Specific locations are listed in the session schedule you’ll receive upon acceptance.
Most sessions are held in the evenings to make them accessible for residents, professionals, and students.
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.