Now that summer is winding down and the kids will soon be going back to school, Suffolk Fire & Rescue is reminding citizens that they will also have an opportunity to participate in an educational and stimulating experience where they can learn firsthand about the inner workings and operations of Suffolk Fire & Rescue at its first Citizens’ Fire & Rescue Academy this fall.

Sessions will involve not only classroom instruction but also practical, hands-on lessons including an overview of Fire Administration, Support Services Division, Technical Services Division, Operations Division, Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Technical Rescue, Search and Rescue, Fire Prevention and Emergency Management. The academy is also a great learning opportunity for those possibly interested in a career in the fire service.

The academy will be held for five weeks from Nov. 6 through Dec. 6 on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fire Station 6, located at 300 Kings Fork Road. Sessions will be held on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 20-21, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

An optional Saturday session for Heart Saver CPR Certification will be offered at no cost to the student, and individual students may opt out if they wish. This optional class will be held on Dec. 2 at Fire Station 6 provided that there is an adequate number of students who wish to attend.

The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony, is free to attend, and is open to citizens of Suffolk age 18 or older that have applied and are accepted to attend.

Applications can be downloaded at bit.ly/2017CitizenAcademy or can be obtained at any Suffolk Fire & Rescue location. The application process includes a background check, which would be completed on all persons applying to participate.

Applicants can complete their application and signed waiver and submit in person or mail to: Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Attn: Captain L. A. Ratliff, 300 Kings Fork Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. Applications may also be submitted via email to Captain L. A. Ratliff, lratliff@suffolkva.us, or Fire Training Officer Mary Riddick, mriddick@suffolkva.us. All applications and signed waivers are due no later than Sept. 8. The class size is limited, so register early. Applicants selected to attend the Academy will be notified of their acceptance no later than Oct. 6.

Questions can be directed to Captain Ratliff or Fire Training Officer Riddick at the Fire Training Bureau at 514-4544.