Overview of the Citizens Fire Academy
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a firefighter, this is the program for you! Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) participants learn about a different aspect of the fire service, ranging from emergency medical services, to the hiring and training of firefighters, to special rescue operations. CFA participants will spend time at fire stations and riding-out with the Fire Department to emergency calls. It’s a hands-on learning experience as you’ll wear bunker gear, learn how to use fire extinguishers, get your toes wet with swift-water training, and learn the operations of a ladder truck! CFA is an opportunity for the community members to engage with firefighters and learn the many disciplines supported by the San Marcos Fire Department.
This academy is fun and informative for the citizens working or living in the City of San Marcos to see what it’s like to live and train as a firefighter. This free, fun academy is to help inform participants on the way San Marcos Fire Department operates and the ultimate goal is to learn fire safety.
ELIGIBILITY: Designed for adults ages 18 and older who either work or live in the City of San Marcos and meet program criteria, including a criminal background check.
TIMELINE: Citizens Fire Academy (CFA) runs every Monday evening and a few Saturdays at Fire Station #5, 100 Carlson Circle from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (excluding holidays), for twelve weeks from mid-August to graduation night in early November. The best thing is to see a previous-year’s schedule, click on Related Documents (on the side of page), to view or print 2019 CFA Calendar. [pdf] This will also give you a good idea of what to expect while in the Academy.
COST: FREE!
THIS IS NOT A TCFP CERTIFIED ACADEMY: This class is not designed to train a person to become a firefighter nor qualify to get a job as firefighter. It is not a certification course and not a TCFP approved fire academy. It’s a fun, community class.
CFA LIMITS: Due to financial and logistical constraints, the SMFD can only accept 15 cadets into the Academy so get your application in today! Applications are accepted year-round.
We Are No Longer Accepting Applications for 2023!
Please check back for updates and the application window for 2024!
