Calling all heroes-in-waiting.
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of running to the rescue or just wants a new way to serve the community, the Farmers Branch Fire Department offers a special school to teach residents what it takes to be a hero.
The free, nine-week Citizen Fire Academy teaches students about the rank, structure and history of the department; fire science and investigations, including arson, and disaster preparedness and response. Students will receive CPR and fire extinguisher training. In addition, vehicle extrication techniques and fire operations will be demonstrated.
“They actually get to cut up a car when we get to vehicle extrications,” said Wendi Kimpton, fire prevention training coordinator. “They learn to use the Jaws of Life and how it feels to do it. I think that’s one of our people’s favorite things to do.”
Students also take a field trip to the North Texas Emergency Communications Center, which dispatches emergency services for Farmers Branch, and a care flight lands at the parking lot by the training tower at Fire Station 3.
Experts teach each subject, and 25 to 28 different firefighters trains students over the course of the program.
Students are asked to attend at least seven classes.
Those who complete the fire academy can then volunteer with the fire department, going on runs with them, assisting with special events, including manning first aid tents, installing Knox boxes, which allows emergency personnel to get to a person more quickly without having to break down the door, and helping answer phones at the stations.
Assistant Fire Chief Tim Dedear said he appreciates both the bond that develops between the students and firefighters and the help they provide as volunteers.
“It keeps our firefighters more available to respond to calls,” he said. “It takes some pressure off us. Even though they’re small things, it allows us to focus on the big things and know that the small things will be done and done well.”
Margaret Young attended the Citizen Fire Academy 10 years ago after attending the Citizen Police Academy with a friend and deciding to expand her knowledge to the fire department as well.
She said it increased her knowledge of all the many things the firefighters do and elevated her appreciation of their physical condition and constant training.
Young said she was surprised by the weight of the water hoses and needed assistance to just hold one.
“They are just in amazing shape to be able to do what they do,” she said.
As a volunteer, she has ridden out with firefighters on call and had dinner with them.
Their camaraderie from working together during 24-hour shifts impressed her, she said. They openly share the “joys and concerns” of their families’ lives.
“Seeing that in action was a real eye-opener for me,” Young said. “My respect for them has grown.”
Young appreciated the Citizen Fire Academy so much that she volunteers for the Teen Fire and Rescue Academy, which takes place in June, and encourages her grandchildren to attend as well.
Volunteers also help firefighters with extended calls by bringing hot or cold drinks depending on the weather and meals.
The Citizen Fire Academy started in 2006 to build relationships between residents and firefighters.
“Back then, we weren’t really connected with the citizens,” Kimpton said. “Government was separate … we found that so many of our citizens want to be involved. They want to do more than put the check mark when they go vote.”
The Citizen Fire Academy is held on Thursday nights from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. from March 7 through May 16 at the Bob Phelps Fire Administration building, located at 13333 Hutton Drive in Farmers Branch.
Applications are being accepted through Feb. 23. Applicants must be at least 18 years old; live, work or volunteer in Farmers Branch and pass a background check. To sign up, email or call Wendi Kimpton at wendi.kimpton@farmersbranchtx.gov or (972) 919-2650.
Other Upcoming Events
The Farmers Branch Fire Department is holding several other community events in the next few months.
Sensory Friendly Open House
9:30-11 a.m.
April 20
Station 2, 13333 Alpha Link
Community CPR/AED Training
4 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 4
Bob Phelps Fire Administration, 13333 Hutton Dr.
Teen Fire and Rescue Academy
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
June 3-7
Bob Phelps Fire Administration, 13333 Hutton Dr.