Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department will begin accepting applications for the 13th session of the Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) on Wednesday, July 1.

The six week course will begin Tuesday, September 15, and will continue through Tuesday, October 27, skipping October 6 due to the scheduled fall break of area schools. Class times are 6:00-9:00 pm.

The CFA offers a small group of area residents the opportunity to view and participate in the activities and services provided by the MFRD. Academy participants will receive an insider's view of MFRD operations. Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities such as: wearing turnout gear, climbing a 65' aerial, using extrication equipment, victim search and rescue using GPS, and much more (all activities are optional). The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony, where class members will receive a certificate of completion.

Gena Burns-Harrison attended the class last year with her daughter, Lauren. "My daughter and I had an incredibly unique mother-daughter bonding time. CFA was an experience that, I submit, neither of us will forget. While we have always been explorers, investigators, and researchers, this experience broadened our horizons and opened our eyes. It made us contemplate things we had never previously considered."

It is important to mention that the Citizens Fire Academy is in no way job related. Completing the academy has no bearing on employment with the City or MFRD.

The cost of the class is $35.00. Class size is limited and the deadline for application submission is September 1. Applications can be obtained at Fire Administration located at 220 NW Broad Street or any MFRD fire station. They can also be obtained online at: www.murfreesborotn.gov/fireacademy. For more information, contact MFRD Administration at 615-893-1422.