Playing with fire: Citizens Academy gives up close look at Plano Fire Rescue

Plano residents wishing to know more about how their fire department works will have the opportunity this spring during the annual Citizens Fire Academy.

The free 10-week program begins March 21 and will include lessons on how to drive a fire engine, climb the department's 105-foot ladder and operate the Jaws of Life.

Registration is now open, but space is limited to 25-30 participants, said Capt. Peggy Harrell, department spokeswoman.

"It is really a lot of fun in addition to being informative," Harrell said. "It is very hands on, and we encourage participants to spend time at fire stations meeting the crews and getting the firefighters' take on things. They can also go on emergency calls with the crews -- in a strictly observatory role."

Former City Councilwoman Sally Magnuson, an alumna of the program, described the fire academy as a great experience that opened her eyes to the role the department plays in keeping the city safe.

"I would be very surprised if someone went through the academy and didn't learn something," she said. "It increased my respect for professional firefighters and what they do for us. I also began to appreciate the risk that these firefighters take each day when they are at work."

For Plano resident Rob Johnson, attending the academy nearly 15 years ago had a profound impact on his life. Although he had no experience in firefighting, what Johnson learned in the class led him to take a job as a dispatcher before finding employment with the Dallas Fire Marshal's office, where he carries out fire safety inspections.

"I knew I was too old to be a firefighter, but this was a way of helping people," said Johnson, who portrays Sparky the Fire Dog during parades in Plano. "The class showed me there were a number of opportunities out there for civilians who want to be involved."

The class will meet for three hours each Thursday beginning at 6:30 p.m., with each class focusing on a different area of the department, Harrell said. There will also be one Saturday class, where students will get hands-on experience working with different fire department apparatuses.

For information, call Harrell at 972-941-7421 or visit planofire.org.

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