The Peoria Fire-Medical Department is calling on all aspiring young firefighters with the announcement of its second annual Youth Fire Academy, which will take place from July 10 to July 13. The program invites high school students and recent graduates aged between 17 and 19 to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a firefighter or EMT, all free of charge.
The Youth Fire Academy is an exciting opportunity for young men and women to gain invaluable insights into the fire service as a potential career path. The four-day program will feature physical training, educational classes, and realistic fire/EMS simulations. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to interact with and learn from the on-duty crews of the Peoria Fire-Medical Department.
Safety, as always, is the department’s top priority. All participants will be supervised by the highly trained professionals of the Peoria Fire-Medical Department throughout the duration of the camp. As a part of ensuring safety, campers are required to bring their personal blue pants, black belt, and safety boots/shoes to be worn as part of the uniform.
In addition to the engaging activities and training, lunch will be provided each day of the academy. However, this immersive experience is not just about the physical aspects of firefighting. It’s also about instilling responsibility, fostering a self-starting attitude, and encouraging full commitment. As such, attendees are expected to participate in the entire program without any planned absences.
Due to the intimate nature of the program, the academy is limited to just 15 participants. All interested individuals must ensure their application packets, which include medical information, physician clearance for participation, assumption of risk, and waiver requirements, are complete and legible. The deadline for applications is June 9.
Applications can be mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered to the Peoria Fire-Medical Department. All applicants will be notified of their status by June 20.
For more information about the Youth Fire Academy, including application details and a detailed program overview, visit peoriaaz.info/youthfireacademy. Alternatively, you can contact Lisa Neely at (623) 773-7916 or via email at [email protected].
With this second annual Youth Fire Academy, the Peoria Fire-Medical Department continues its mission to inspire the next generation of firefighters and EMTs, providing them with a unique and comprehensive introduction to the fire service.
