Registration is now open for the Citizens Fire Academy with classes scheduled for Spring and Fall 2025.

County residents will learn vital lessons that could help prevent a fire or save a life, including CPR training, fire extinguisher training, EMS overview, and more.

Classes will also offer information and demonstrations from Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Service’s specialty teams, including SwiftWater, Hazmat, Mass Casualty, and Trench Rescue to include trench collapses, confined space, cave-ins, and high-angle rope rescues.

“It’s a ‘behind-the-scenes’ on what firefighters and emergency medical professionals do,” said Gwinnett Fire Educator Jaclyn Roberson. “They get to meet all the specialty teams and see their equipment. There are nights where they do different simulated drills like our firefighters.”

Spring classes will be held from April 17 to June 12, while Fall classes will be scheduled from September 11 to November 6. All classes will be held on Thursdays from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Participants must also be 18 years of age or older to enroll in the nine-week course which is free for Gwinnett residents.

“We try to make it for everyone because it is for everyone,” said Fire Educator Cris Nowden. “You’re going to go to the Training Academy and put on the breathing apparatus, search for your victim and then pull that victim, if you can, out of the room, [work] with water hoses and knock over the cones to hit the base of the fire. You will learn something that could possibly help save lives.”

A graduation ceremony is held for those who complete the nine-week Academy. Participants will also receive exclusive volunteer opportunities.

Learn more about the Citizens Fire Academy and register here