By Miles Oates
mlive.com
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — Residents who have ever wondered what it is like to ride on a fire truck, respond to emergencies or wear firefighting gear will have a chance to find out this fall through the Sterling Heights Fire Department’s Civilian Fire Academy.
The four-week program, which begins Sept. 10, is designed to give residents an inside look at the daily operations of the fire department and the responsibilities of firefighter-paramedics. Participants will take part in hands-on activities including vehicle extrication, technical rescue, fire attack training, CPR certification and demonstrations of firefighting equipment.
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Interim Fire Chief Michael Amormino said the academy helps residents better understand the role firefighters play in the community.
“The fire department’s a lot more than just going to calls and responding to 911 calls,” Amormino said. “Part of being a firefighter is education and being part of the community. This gives people a chance to come in and see what it’s really like.”
The academy is limited in size because of its interactive nature. Participants will spend time using equipment, learning rescue techniques and experiencing simulated emergency situations. Graduates will also have an opportunity to schedule a ride-along at one of the city’s five fire stations.
According to Amormino, many residents are surprised to learn how much modern firefighters do beyond fighting fires.
“I think a lot of people just think firefighters go to fires and that’s all we do,” he said. “We respond to every 911 call. It could be a medical emergency, a car accident, a technical rescue, a hazardous materials situation or any number of service calls.”
The Sterling Heights Fire Department responds to nearly 19,000 calls for service annually, he said.
To help residents understand those responsibilities, the academy emphasizes hands-on learning rather than classroom lectures alone. Participants will have opportunities to handle equipment, practice rescue skills and experience conditions similar to what firefighters face.
“It’s a lot more fun when you can actually do some of the work,” Amormino said. “People can put on the gear, see how much it weighs, cut apart vehicles, learn CPR and experience some of the things our firefighters do.”
The program also serves as a way to introduce younger residents to careers in public safety. Amormino said recruitment has become one of the biggest challenges facing fire departments nationwide.
“Recruitment is a huge challenge,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know what they want to do after high school, and there may be opportunities for us to introduce them to public service careers.”
Amormino knows firsthand how impactful the academy can be. He participated in the Civilian Fire Academy as an 18-year-old before beginning his career in the fire service.
He said past participants have gone on to become firefighters, paramedics and health care professionals after discovering an interest in emergency services through the program.
Beyond career exploration, Amormino said the academy helps build trust between firefighters and the people they serve.
“When you start explaining what we do, the calls we go on and the responsibilities we have, it really builds trust with the profession,” Amormino said.
The program is open to Sterling Heights residents who are at least 18 years old. Because some activities are physically demanding, participants should be prepared for active, hands-on training, though safety remains a top priority.
Applications are due by Sept. 1, and accepted applicants will be notified by Sept. 2.
Amormino hopes participants leave with a better understanding of the department and the firefighters who serve the city around the clock.
“We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he said. “I hope people walk away understanding why we do what we do and how we serve the community.”
For more information, residents can email civilianfireacademy@sterlingheights.gov or call the fire department administration office at 586-446-2959.
What three things would your department highlight in a civilian academy and why?
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