CFD hosts first ever Citizen’s Fire Academy
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)– Chattanooga community members went behind-the-scenes of the Chattanooga Fire Department and got a glimpse into the daily lives of local firefighters during the first-ever Citizens’ Fire Academy.
The program offered an interactive, hands-on experience designed to give participants a better understanding of the department and the services that are offered.
It provided an inside look at fire department operations to educate the class on emergency response.
“Citizens are our number one stakeholders. Those are the ones that we take care of, and they take care of us. So, it’s important we open up the doors, so they can kind of see what it is that we do, why we do it, how we do it,” said Captain Damien Vinson, CFD Community Outreach Coordinator.
Members of the academy wore firefighter turnout gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus.
They took part in several training evolutions that are designed to mimic real life emergency scenes that firefighters face every day.
Participants conducted vehicle extrication, using the “Jaws of Life” to cut into cars.
They also learned about hose operations, rope rescues, and how to search a structure.
Medical personnel were also hand to teach the class CPR and wound care.
