A simulated rescue activity from the 2013 Citizens Fire Academy. (Courtesy of the Plover Fire/EMS Department)

By Brandi Makuski

The Village of Plover is now taking applications for its annual Citizens Fire Academy.

Now in its second year, the academy will combine classroom teaching with hands-on activity designed to educate and enlighten the public but also to promote careers in the fire and EMS field.

Adam King, public information officer for the Village of Plover Fire/EMS Department, said the academy is a chance for citizens who walk a mile in the shoes- or, rather, boots- of a fire fighter.

“Physically we’ll do some hands-on stuff showing people it’s not as easy as it may look,” King said. “Well, I’m not saying that it looks easy, but we’re hoping to inspire people with what the fire department does for the community.”

The purpose behind the academy, according to King, is three- fold.

“On one side, it’s just to get people the knowledge and experience so they know what we’re doing and what we’re about,” King said. “Second, we want to give those people who are curious about the fire service a chance to learn more about it before they maybe invest in going to school for it, and finally we have the village fire auxiliary. If we can recruit or if we can get people to help with the auxiliary that just adds to our community service.”

King said the participants can expect to observe and assist using spreaders and cutters used in vehicle extrications, as well as search and rescue simulations and the chance to haul a fire hose once it’s been charged with water.

“Do you know how heavy those hoses are? You really don’t know until you’ve actually had to do it,” King said.

The academy is open to all Portage County residents 18 years and older and is free of charge. King said priority admission will be given to residents of the villages of Whiting and Plover.

The classes run on Monday nights, with one Saturday class, between April 14 and May 19. Applications may be filled out at the Plover Fire/EMS Department, 2400 Post Road, by the deadline of March 28 at 3:30 PM.