Garland, TX – The Garland Fire Department (GFD) welcomed participants to the 44th class of its Citizen Fire Academy this week, a nine-week program designed to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of the fire department’s operations through hands-on activities. This program aims to educate citizens about the vital role firefighters play in ensuring public safety.
During the first class of this year’s program, participants took a tour of the Fire Administration building and the training yard, which features state-of-the-art training facilities, including a burn building. This facility allows firefighters to practice various scenarios, including single-family homes, multi-family residences, and industrial settings, all while utilizing adjustable interior walls to simulate real-life conditions and keep firefighters on their toes. The training yard also includes named streets, many of which have been named in memory of firefighters. The yard also included practice vehicles, providing a realistic environment for firefighters to hone their skills.
The Citizen Fire Academy not only highlights the extensive training and dedication of GFD personnel but also addresses the health risks that firefighters face. Firefighting has evolved significantly over the past decades, particularly in terms of safety technology. Just a few decades ago, firefighters often wore cotton gloves and brought their bunker gear next to their beds, inadvertently contaminating their living environments with harmful carcinogens. Today, advancements in gear and protocols have helped to mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer experience for firefighters both on and off the job.
Jerry Click, Public Education Coordinator for the Garland Fire Department, has been with the department for more than thirty years and has witnessed tremendous evolution in safety practices. He shared about what it was like when he first started as a firefighter: “If you were a tough fireman, your gear was dirty. Well, now we know that’s carcinogens. And look at everything that they’re making now that’s making life easier. Everything they put in the carpet, everything they’re putting on the couch, all that’s cancer-causing; it’s carcinogenic.”
The new fire stations built in Garland also reflect this commitment to safety and innovation. With improved facilities and equipment, the GFD is better equipped to respond to emergencies while prioritizing the health and well-being of its personnel.
As the academy progresses, participants will have the chance to engage in various training exercises, learn about the department’s specialized operations, and understand the importance of community collaboration in emergency services. The Citizen Fire Academy takes place each year in the fall. For those interested in participating in the program next year, visit garlandtx.gov here to complete the application.
