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1. What is a Citizen's Academy?

The Citizen's Fire Academy is your opportunity to learn more about how the Mitchell Fire Department operates. The Citizen's Fire Academy is a group of Mitchell area citizens who are interested in learning more about how their Fire Department operates and the public safety challenges our community faces. Participants in each session commit to meeting for 3 hours 1 night per week, for 8 weeks, to learn about each aspect of the department. The Citizen's Fire Academy will conclude with a Fire Field Day. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

2. What is the purpose of the Academy?

The purpose of the Mitchell Fire Citizen's Academy is to develop positive relations between the Fire Department and the community through education and understanding. The goals are to create a growing group of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential of influencing the public opinions about Fire Department practices and services. Citizens will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing public safety and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

3. Who instructs the Academy?

Instructors are certified firefighters and personnel from the department who speak on their areas of expertise, as well as specialized guest speakers. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

4. How are participants selected?

Participants must be 18 years of age or older. They must be a resident of the City of Mitchell, or a business owner in the area or otherwise have a vested interest in the community. Participants will be chosen at the discretion of the Fire Prevention Bureau and the Chief of Public Safety after backgrounds and references have been checked. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

5. What subjects are covered?

-1 day hands-on operations
-CPR and AED certification
-Fire Behavior
-Fire Control
-Fire Prevention and Education
-HazMat operations
-Rescue and Extrication
-Ropes and Knots

Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

6. What does it cost?

There is no cost to attend the Citizen's Academy. Please call 605-995-8400 for more information.

7. How do I apply?

Contact the Mitchell Fire Department to pick up an application at 201 West 1st or call 605-995-8400 for more information.

Another option is to download the Citizen's Fire Academy Application and mail it to:
201 W 1st
Mitchell, SD 57301
Attn: Assistant Chief Paul Morris.

Citizen's Academy class size is limited to the first 12 approved applicants. The deadline is March 31, 2016. Access the Online Citizen's Academy Application.