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.

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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.

Welcome and Orientation Night
Location - Fire Headquarters

Swiftwater Rescue/Hands-Only CPR
Location - Station 14

PPE/SCBA/Tools/Water Supply/Fire Hose/Search & Rescue
Location - Training Academy

TRT-GSAR/Fire Inspections
Station 24

911 Tour/Fire Investigations
Location - Police Annex 911

Fire and Medical Drills
Location - Training Academy

Hazmat
Location - Station 20

SRU/Ladder Bucket/Fire Extinguisher
Location - Station 31

Class Graduation Ceremony
Location - Training 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.

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.