Citizens Fire Academy

Through classes and hands-on activities, the Citizens Fire Academy provides an inside look at how the Sandy Springs Fire Department is organized and operates. CFA is an immersive experience with most sessions conducted at SSFD Fire Stations.  The classes include a 12-hour shift where participants experience life at the fire station as well as a ride-along with SSFD units to whatever calls they respond to during that shift. 

Citizens Fire Academy participants must live and/or work in Sandy Springs, be at least 18 years of age, and pass a background check.

Members of the SSFC are Sandy Springs residents who are recruited from the ranks of CFA graduates. CFA graduates who do not join the FC, but still want to actively support SSFD, are welcome as volunteers to assist FC at major Sandy Springs community events.  

The Spring Citizens Fire Academy Class is usually held in March, April and August. For more information, contact: Freddie Pelzer, Lieutenant, Community Affairs Office at 678-491-6598 or 770-206-4369.

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. Fire Safety Education - Fire/Safety House, Home Safety

Week 2: Emergency Communications

In this session, attendees are given an opportunity to visit the 911 communications center where they will witness an emergency call from its inception through the dispatching of emergency units. There will also be a review of emergency management procedures demonstrating the integration of fire department operations each day.             

Week 3: Fire Behavior

Fire Behavior: In this session, attendees are introduced to the chemistry and physics of fire. Topics include the fire tetrahedron, heat transfer, law of heat flow, and BTUs. Fire Extinguishers: Upon completion of classroom activities, attendees will have an opportunity to operate a fire extinguisher while suppressing a fire. Extinguishers used in this class include CO2, dry chemical, and pressurized water extinguishers.  

Week 4: Hose/Search and Rescue/SCBA 

Hose: Attendees are introduced to the various sizes, types, and construction of hose used in the fire service. Attendees will be given the opportunity to operate various size hose lines with both adjustable fog and smooth bore nozzles.  Search and Rescue: Attendees will be introduced to basic search and rescue methods. Topics of discussion will include drags and carries. SCBA: Attendees will become familiar with the function and operation of the self-contained breathing apparatus along with donning and doffing methods. Attendees will be given the opportunity to don an SCBA a complete a hose line following drill while using a thermal imaging camera.

Week 5: EMS Training

Participants will receive training in basic first aid, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automatic External Defibrillator (CPR/AED) treatment of Cardiac Arrest, resulting in certification.  

Week 6: Extrication and Technical Rescue

Introduction to extrication and technical rescue equipment.  Topics of discussion will include all SSFD’s department's technical rescue capabilities and equipment.  Participants will be shown a demonstration of a vehicle extrication exercise using hydraulically powered tools. 

Week 7: Simulated Fire Scene

Attendees will participate in a live fire exercise. While wearing full protective clothing, the attendee will deploy and charge a hose line to safely extinguish a fire. 

Week 8: Graduation

To commemorate the attendee's  participation, a graduation ceremony will be held. As a part of the ceremony, each attendee will receive a certificate of completion.