Longmont residents can now register for the Longmont Public Safety’s Citizen Academy, which is a free four week course in September limited to 40 students who are qualified residents of Longmont. Students will learn from firefighters, police officers, and public safety professionals about the roles of emergency workers in the community. The program consists of a class each Wednesday in December and an additional field day with police and firefighters at the Fire Training Center.
Any Longmont resident 18 years or older with “no more than a minor criminal history” is qualified to register for the academy as long as they can attend all four classroom meetings September 3, 10, 17, and 24.
The citizen academy website asks interested residents, “Have you ever wondered how heavy that firefighting gear really is? Curious as to why the SWAT team is sent out on some incidents and not others? Do you want to know why firefighters travel to the grocery store in the fire engine? Do you know what the busiest day of the week is for public safety?” The city promises the academy will “answer questions you didn’t know you had” and “offer experiences you won’t soon forget.”
All participants must sign a liability waiver acknowledging and assuming the risk of personal injury, property damage, or death that may occur from the use of vehicles or weapons by members of the department while carrying out their official duties.
The first class on September 3 is “Public Safety Chief and staff.” September 10 will cover police services; September 17 will cover fire services; and September 24 will cover collaborative services. Anyone looking for more information not available on the city’s website can call (303)-651-8424.
