Sign up for Lombard's third annual Citizen's Fire Academy

The Lombard Fire Department invites citizens living or working in Lombard to participate in its third annual Citizen's Fire Academy, beginning Sept. 13.

The academy is led by Lombard firefighters and designed to provide participants an opportunity to learn about the work and training the Lombard firefighters perform on a daily basis.

The Citizen's Fire Academy is a free, five-week program held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Lombard Fire Station No. 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road.

In addition to the weekday sessions, engaging hands-on practical exercises will be held on Saturday, October 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station 44, 2020 S. Highland Ave.

The academy will consist of classroom instruction, interactive discussions, and hands-on practical exercises focusing on various aspects of being a firefighter, including wearing personal protective equipment, extinguishing a fire, climbing a ladder, vehicle extrication, and much more.

After completing the program, participants will have a better understanding of how the Lombard Fire Department responds to fire and medical emergencies.

To be eligible, individuals must be at least 18 years old and live or work in Lombard. The class size will be limited to 10 participants.

The program will begin on Sept. 13 and run through Oct. 11.

Applications are due by Friday, Aug. 18, and are available for printing on the village's website at www.villageoflombard.org/citizensacademy, or may be picked up at Lombard Village Hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. The Lombard Fire Department will inform citizens if they have been accepted to the academy by Aug. 31.

For more information, visit www.villageoflombard.org/citizensacademy, or contact Fire Marshal Perry Johnson by phone at (630) 873-4576 or email at JohnsonP@villageoflombard.org.