Have you ever wondered what an Avon Volunteer Firefighter does? Would you like to find out? Join the Avon Citizens’ Fire Academy and see for yourself in a fun-filled environment. Students in the Citizens’ Fire Academy learn how to put on firefighter’s gear, use a fire hose, and rescue a victim during a mock automobile accident.
(Pictured is WardCommPR principal Laura Ward cutting the windshield out of a car during the 2010 mock vehicle extrication drill.)
The Citizens’ Fire Academy is an eight-week course that meets on Thursdays from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Classes begin April 2, 2015, and run through May 21, 2015. The mock automobile accident takes place during a special Saturday morning class which also includes the involvement of other emergency services such as Life Star helicopter, AMR ambulance and Rescue 2, a paramedic unit from UCONN Health Center (unless on medical calls).
Among the many topics to be covered in 2015 are fire behavior, hazardous materials, training of firefighters, tours of all four firehouses, fire prevention, hoses and water flow, and the history of the AVFD.
To request an application for the 2015 Citizens’ Fire Academy, please call the AVFD headquarters on Darling Drive at (860) 677-2644 or download a copy here. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Application deadline: March 24, 2015.
Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on the selflessness and dedication of its members – firefighters, fire police, administrative members, Explorers, active veterans, senior veterans, and associate members, all of whom play a vital role in the safety of Avon. The Department operates six companies and 15 pieces of apparatus, including a brush truck, ladder truck, tanker, rescue vehicle, boat, and pumpers. Four stations are located throughout Town – Company 1 on Darling Drive, Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, Company 3 on West Avon Road, and Company 4 on Huckleberry Hill Road. Anyone interested in learning more about the AVFD should call the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) at 677-2644, visit www.avonvfd.org, or stop by the Company 1 firehouse located at 25 Darling Drive any Monday evening after 7:00.