Citizens' Fire Academy

participants of academy work on crashed vehicle

Our Citizens’ Fire Academy will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the role we serve in the community. You will learn about the responsibilities of the four divisions of the fire department (administration, professional development, fire prevention, and operations) through classroom settings, technical demonstrations, and participation in task-based scenarios.

Some sessions will involve opportunities to participate in essential firefighting skills requiring physical agility, mobility, strength, and endurance (participation is voluntary). We seek to strengthen partnerships with our community and look forward to connecting with you during this academy. Program topics and content include:

  • Introduction to the fire department organization
  • Fire department communications and interagency cooperation
  • Fire department’s role in emergency medical services
  • Fire scene management and operations (protective clothing and equipment, hoseline operations, etc.)
  • Technical rescue disciplines (rope rescue, vehicle extrication, water rescue)
  • Fire prevention and public education

Academy dates

The 2024 Citizens' Fire Academy began April 11, 2024. The academy is scheduled for 6 weeks on consecutive Thursday evenings. Please check back for 2025 dates.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Citizens Fire Academy, you must be at least 18 years old, live or work in Lenexa and have no significant criminal record. Criminal history background checks will be conducted.

The Fire Chief has discretion to make the final decision on the suitability of all citizen participants in any program we offer. Within the boundaries of applicable law, nothing in this procedure prohibits the Fire Chief from denying attendance to any individual if it is in the best interest of the Lenexa Fire Department, the City of Lenexa, or the participants in its programs.

Automatic disqualifiers

Past history that would automatically disqualify you from participating in the Citizen’s Fire Academy includes:

  • Conviction of a felony or any offense that would constitute a felony within the State of Kansas or the United States
  • Conviction of a Class “A” or “B” misdemeanor within the past five years
  • Conviction of any crime of a sexual nature
  • A dishonorable discharge from any branch of the United States Armed Forces
  • Exhibiting any conduct or pattern of conduct that would tend to disrupt, diminish or otherwise jeopardize public trust in the Lenexa Fire Department.

How do I apply?

The application period for the next class will be announced on our social media pages. Please follow us on social media to get up to date information.

For further information, please contact Battalion Chief Bob Welch at call 913.888.6380.

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