Eleven Murfreesboro citizens graduated on Tuesday (10/30/2012) from the Citizens Fire Academy and now have a better appreciation and understanding for the Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department. The ceremony took place at Fire Station 6 located on Memorial Boulevard.
Students and their families were treated to dinner before each student received a certificate in honor of their participation in the academy. Students also received a CD with pictures from the six week course and a pocket-sized poem summarizing their experience.
This was the 10th CFA class since the department began hosting the academy which offers a small group of area residents the opportunity to view and participate in activities and services provided by MFRD.
Students were able to try on turnout gear, experience climbing a 65’ aerial, practice extrication, run through the firefighter ability test, and much more. Comments were anonymously submitted after each class, allowing MFRD to collect feedback from class participants.
A few of the comments shared were:
“Great to have hands on experience of what’s involved in the firefighters job.”
“Very educational. I have learned so much in all the classes.”
“Going through the firefighter physical endurance test was interesting.”
“Really enjoyed all subjects…Extrication, Rescue, and EMT…all instructors were very informative.”
The CFA Class of 2012 was so appreciative of the instructors and CFA lead organizer, Department Coordinator Laurie Alsup, they presented a plaque to the department. “This is the first time a class has ever done this; it was great,” commented Alsup. “We hope these students will spread the word and we will have even more participation next year!”
Citizens Fire Academy is held in the fall of each year. Information is usually released in August. If you would like to know more about the CFA, you can visit the City’s website at www.murfreesborotn.gov and go to the Fire & Rescue page or you can contact MFRD at 615-893-1422.
