Citizens Fire Academy

Through classroom instruction and hands-on activities, the Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) provides an inside look at how the Sandy Springs Fire Department (SSFD) is organized and operates.

CFA is an immersive experience, with most sessions conducted at SSFD fire stations. The program includes a station shift experience, as well as a ride-along with SSFD units during emergency calls.

Participants must live or work in Sandy Springs, be at least 18 years of age, and pass a background check.

Members of the Sandy Springs Fire Corps (SSFC) are recruited from CFA graduates who are Sandy Springs residents. Graduates who do not join the Fire Corps but still wish to support SSFD are welcome to volunteer at major community events.

The Spring Citizens Fire Academy class is typically held during March, April, and August.

For more information, contact Freddie Pelzer, Lieutenant, Community Affairs Office, at 678-491-6598 or 770-206-4369.

The next CFA class begins April 23 and runs for eight weeks. Sessions are held Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

Apply for the Citizens Fire Academy

Course Outline

(Subject to change)

Week 1: Fire Department Overview

This session includes the history of the Sandy Springs Fire Department and an overview of the organization and structure. Key responsibilities of each division and daily operations will be discussed. Additional topics include fire safety education, the Fire Safety House, and home safety.

Week 2: Emergency Communications

Participants will visit the 911 communications center and observe how emergency calls are processed and dispatched. The session also includes a review of emergency management procedures and how fire department operations are coordinated daily.

Week 3: Fire Behavior

Participants are introduced to the chemistry and physics of fire, including the fire tetrahedron, heat transfer, the law of heat flow, and BTUs.

Following classroom instruction, participants will have the opportunity to operate a fire extinguisher while suppressing a controlled fire using CO2, dry chemical, and pressurized water extinguishers.

Week 4: Hose/Search and Rescue/SCBA

Participants are introduced to the sizes, types, and construction of fire service hoses and will have the opportunity to operate hose lines with adjustable fog and smooth bore nozzles.

The session also covers basic search and rescue methods, including drags and carries.

Participants will learn the operation and function of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including donning and doffing procedures, and will complete a hose line drill using a thermal imaging camera.

Week 5: EMS Training

Participants receive training in basic first aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, resulting in CPR/AED certification.

Week 6: Extrication and Technical Rescue

This session introduces participants to extrication and technical rescue equipment and reviews SSFD technical rescue capabilities.

Participants will observe a vehicle extrication demonstration using hydraulic rescue tools.

Week 7: Simulated Fire Scene

Participants take part in a live fire exercise while wearing full protective gear and will deploy and charge a hose line to safely extinguish a fire.

Week 8: Graduation

A graduation ceremony is held to recognize participant completion of the Citizens Fire Academy program. Each participant receives a certificate of completion.