The Cedar Rapids Fire Department offers citizens a unique way of experiencing the firefighting career with the Citizens' Fire Academy. The Academy includes 15 hours of instruction and practical experience. The goal of the Academy is to create a better understanding of firefighting activities. Citizens will find that firefighting is more than putting out fires, but also includes rescue operations, emergency medical services, fire prevention and education. Activities in which citizens may participate include: Physical Qualifications Test, Vehicle Extrication, Emergency Medical Services, Hose Handling and Live Fire Burn.
The academy is held every Wednesday night for three hours over a five-week period. Class size is limited to 12 citizens.
The next Citizens' Academy may be held in late summer 2013. The previous Central Fire Station was destroyed by the Flood of 2008. There is a nominal $25 fee to participate, which helps the Cedar Rapids Fire Department defer costs of delivering this program.