The Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) graduated its inaugural Citizens Fire Academy class on Oct. 28.  Thirteen citizens graduated from the eight-week program, designed to educate citizens and the business community about the services provided by the VFD, increase fire and life-safety awareness, and establish a community partnership. 

Graduates of the program are: Sedra Beckman, Luke Brogdon, Eric Condrey, Jodi Copeland, Gregory Brown, Brian Geary, Gail Green, Bobby Flowers, Claudia James, Al Moser, Angela Penn, William Shultz and Cedric Small.

“I appreciate the men and women of the Valdosta Fire Department for making the last eight weeks one of best highlights of my life,” said Brian Geary, Human Resources Director for Ace Electric.  “I underestimated the training and dedication of our city firefighters and what is required of them on a daily basis to protect the citizens of this great community.  My experiences through the Valdosta Citizens Fire Academy provided me with insight, inspiration and gratitude for these courageous public servants. I highly recommend the program to all citizens of Valdosta and Lowndes County.”

Each Tuesday night since the beginning of September, participants were exposed to all aspects of the department’s operations, participated in the VFD’s Ride-Along Program, and received valuable life safety CPR certification training. 

“I commend the 2014 Citizens Fire Academy graduates for their time and commitment to the program, but I am most impressed by their genuine interests in the mission of the Valdosta Fire Department and its life-saving impact on our citizens,” said Valdosta Fire Chief Freddie Broome.  “These men and women are exemplary citizens who understand the value of being intricately informed about their local government.  I look forward to seeing how they will use the knowledge they’ve gained to make a difference in our community.”

The Citizens Fire Academy is one of three volunteer programs in the City of Valdosta available to citizens—the other two are the Citizens Police Academy and the Government 101 Citizens Orientation Program—designed to give citizens valuable knowledge of resources through a behind-the-scenes view inside local government services.  The next annual Citizens Fire Academy will begin in September 2015.  For more information about the program or to obtain an application, call the VFD at (229) 333-1835 or visit http://www.valdostacity.com/fire.