January 28, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Shreveport Citizens’ Fire Academy Taking Applications

The Shreveport Fire Department is now accepting applications for their upcoming Citizens’ Fire Academy, slated to run from February 19 through April 30, 2002.

Participants will meet one night a week (Tuesday) at the Shreveport Fire Academy from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.. For those selected, the program offers a host of activities, such as: firefighting tactics, fire prevention and arson investigation, search and rescue, 911 communications, hazardous materials, extinguisher training, emergency medicine, including first aid and CPR certification, emergency vehicle operation,

The Citizens’ Fire Academy is a training program offered by SFD and is designed for community leaders, business professionals, and/or those having a genuine desire to learn more about their local fire department. Citizens will be allowed to participate in firefighting and emergency medical drills and simulations, such as high rise repelling and driving a fire engine. The program culminates with participants riding out on the streets of Shreveport with firefighters to the scene of real emergencies. The Fire Department’s goal is that Academy participants will complete the course more safety conscious of their environment and with a desire to reduce the number of lives lost and the amount of property damage in our city.

Those interested can pick up an application at the Shreveport Fire Training Academy, 6440 Greenwood Road, downtown at Central Fire Station, 801 Crockett Street, or download an application from the Department web site: www.shreveportfire.org. Space for the program is limited. Applicants are required to submit to an interview and background investigation.

Media representatives are invited and encouraged to attend the Citizens’ Fire Academy. For special arrangements, please contact the Public Information Office at the above number.

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