Alexandria Fire Academy Applications Close Monday

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria residents and workers interested in learning how the Fire Department operates have until Monday, Aug. 10, to apply for the City’s fall Community Fire Academy.

The free program is limited to 12 participants, according to the City’s Community Fire Academy page.

The academy will run from Sept. 14 through Oct. 26. Weeknight sessions are scheduled on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m., with two additional Saturday sessions from 8 a.m. to noon.

Inside Alexandria’s Fire Department

Participants will learn about emergency medical services, fire safety, department operations, budgeting, staffing and the responsibilities of Alexandria firefighters and paramedics.

Optional hands-on activities may include CPR instruction, lifting patient stretchers, extending ladders, carrying training mannequins and stretching hose lines.

The academy is an educational program, not a firefighter recruit school, and participants do not receive professional certification.

Applicants must be at least 18. The program is open to Alexandria residents, people who work in the city and owners of Alexandria businesses. There is no charge to participate.

Eco-City Applications Due Wednesday

Alexandria is also accepting applications for its Eco-City Academy through 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.

The free program will meet Sept. 19 and Sept. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave. Lunch will be provided.

Participants will study Alexandria’s Environmental Action Plan and the City’s climate, energy, sustainability and resilience programs through presentations and discussions with staff.

The Eco-City Academy is open to Alexandria residents age 17 and older. Space is limited, and the City says participants will be randomly selected from each Alexandria ZIP code.

Applications for both programs are available through the City’s academy portal.

Information box