The Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) is fighting fire with knowledge through its Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) designed to educate the community about the services provided by the VFD, increase fire and life-safety awareness, and establish a community partnership. CFA will be held every Tuesday night, beginning September 13th through November 1st, from 6:00-9:00 pm.

Citizens have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes. Participants are exposed to all aspects of the department’s operations and witness demonstrations on search and rescue, extrication, and fire prevention. They will be allowed to participate in the Ride-A-Long Program, a live burn, high-angle rescue, and learn how firefighters’ personal protective equipment works. The class will take a field trip to visit our professional partners at the Emergency Communications Center and learn about call processing and dispatching. All participants will participate in a CPR course and receive their CPR certifications. 

All classes will be held at the Valdosta Regional Training Center located at 137 Blanchard Street unless otherwise stated.  Citizens must be at least 18 years of age and complete an application and release of liability form.  Although the program is free, Valdosta Fire Chief Brian Boutwell will ask all participants for their commitments to attend all nine weeks of the program.

“The program gives citizens the opportunity to interact with members of the fire department and offers a unique perspective into the life of our firefighters,” said Chief Boutwell. “It provides an exceptional educational experience for the community.”

The CFA is held in the fall of each year. To register visit https://www.valdostacity.com/fire-department/citizens-fire-academy for a printable and/or online application. For additional information call 229-333-1835 or email [email protected].