Cherokee County
Fire & Emergency Services
Fire & Emergency Services
Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services strives to develop programs that foster a close working relationship between the Department and the community. The Citizens Fire Academy is a twelve-week program offered to residents, college students, and business owners in our county. Participants will experience the Fire and Emergency Services Department first-hand by learning about the organization, the services we provide and valuable fire and life safety information that increases knowledge of what to do in emergency situations. Participants will also have the opportunity to go through simulated firefighting and EMS scenarios, and witness life and work at the fire station.
Program Overview
The Citizen's Fire Academy is a free, 36-hour program that provides a more in-depth understanding of the fire service and the many functions it serves within the community. This program includes a variety of presentations and hands-on activities taught by members of all ranks within the department. With the support of our community, we are achieving our mission: Work aggressively to preserve life and property, promote public safety, and foster economic growth in Cherokee County.
The Citizens Fire Academy’s scheduled events will be decided weekly from the itinerary below. The schedule is subject to change based on the availability of field units, instructor personnel, and weather conditions.
Participant Requirements
Citizen's Fire Academy participants must live and/or work in Cherokee County, be at least 18 years of age, and pass a background check. To apply for the SPRING SESSION, fill out the Citizen's Fire Academy application.
Program Dates
The Citizen's Fire Academy will be held two times in 2025:
Spring session: March 6 to May 29, 2025, every Thursday from 18:00-21:00 (April 3, 2025 – Bye week).
Fall session: August 28 to November 20, 2025, every Thursday from 18:00-21:00 (September 25, 2025 – Bye week).
All meetings will be at the CCFES Training Center unless identified. For additional information, please email [email protected].
Spring Session Schedule
Week 1 (3/6/25): Welcome and Fire Department Overview
Week 2 (3/13/25): Fire Station Experience (Fire Station 9)
Week 3 (3/20/25): CPR and AED
Week 4 (3/27/25): Emergency Medical Services
Week 5 (4/10/25): Fire Behavior, Hose, and Search and Rescue
Week 6 (4/17/25): Emergency Communications and Emergency Management Agency (Headquarters)
Week 7 (4/24/25): Community Risk Reduction and Fire and Life Safety Education
Week 8 (5/1/25): Vehicle Stabilization and Extrication
Week 9 (5/8/25): Fire Department Specialty Teams
Week 10 (5/15/25): Simulated Emergency Scene Operations and Public Information (PIO)
Week 11 (5/22/25): Fire Investigations
Week 12 (5/29/25): Graduation
Fall Session Schedule
Week 1 (8/28/25): Welcome and Fire Department Overview
Week 2 (9/4/25): Fire Station Experience (Fire Station 9)
Week 3 (9/11/25): CPR and AED
Week 4 (9/18/25): Emergency Medical Services
Week 5 (10/2/25): Fire Behavior, Hose, and Search and Rescue
Week 6 (10/9/25): Emergency Communications and Emergency Management Agency (Headquarters)
Week 7 (10/16/25): Community Risk Reduction and Fire and Life Safety Education
Week 8 (10/23/25): Vehicle Stabilization and Extrication
Week 9 (10/30/25): Fire Department Specialty Teams
Week 10 (11/6/25): Simulated Emergency Scene Operations and Public Information (PIO)
Week 11 (11/13/25): Fire Investigations
Week 12 (11/20/25): Graduation