A Behind-the-Scenes Journey into the Heart of Charlotte Fire

Participants listen as a Charlotte Fire member explains the tools and equipment stored on a heavy rescue apparatus during week two of the Citizen Fire Academy. 

 Charlotte Fire’s Citizen's Fire Academy Returns August 21

For nine weeks, a select group of Charlotte residents will get an unforgettable, up-close look at the heart of their fire department. Charlotte Fire’s Citizen’s Fire Academy returns August 21, offering hands-on training, behind-the-scenes access, and a powerful introduction to the men and women who serve the community every day. 

Launched as a vision by Charlotte Fire Chief Reginald Johnson, the program is designed to deepen public understanding of modern fire and emergency services while building lasting relationships between firefighters and the people they protect. 

“This academy is more than education,” said Chief Johnson. “It’s about connection. It’s about building trust and inspiring the next generation of advocates and leaders in public safety.” 

With the ladder extended high into the sky, Citizen Fire Academy participants gather at the Training Academy to learn about Charlotte Fire’s specialized apparatus and capabilities. 

From learning CPR to observing specialized aircraft rescue training at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, participants will experience the full scope of Charlotte Fire’s work, including EMS, hazardous materials, special rescues, and more. They’ll also tour firehouses, learn how 911 calls are processed, and try out real fire equipment and tools, all under the guidance of Charlotte’s finest. 

Charlotte Firefighter Christy Iyoob, a lead coordinator for the academy, said the experience is one that often leaves participants surprised and inspired. 

“A lot of people think firefighters only fight fires,” Iyoob said. “But when they see everything we do, from trauma response to airport emergencies, they realize how multi-dimensional this work really is. And the best part is, by the end, they feel like part of our fire family.” 

Hands-on and all smiles. A Citizen Fire Academy participant tries out a rescue tool during the extrication demonstration at Charlotte Fire’s Training Academy. 

The free nine-week program begins August 21 and meets each Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m., culminating in a graduation ceremony on October 16. Each week highlights a different area of Charlotte Fire operations: 

Week-by-Week Overview 

• Week 1 – August 21 
  Program Introduction and Department History 
  Kick off the academy by learning Charlotte Fire’s history and what it takes to become a firefighter. 

• Week 2 – August 28 
  Apparatus, Tools, and Equipment Familiarization 
  Hands-on demos with trucks, tools, and life-saving equipment. 

• Week 3 – September 4 
  Fire Communications, Fire Investigation, Fire Prevention 
  Tour the 911 center, meet the arson dog, and explore prevention efforts that keep the public safe. 

• Week 4 – September 11 
  EMS Operations 
  Learn about trauma response, perform CPR, and practice AED use. 

• Week 5 – September 18 
  Active Shooter and Police Assist Response 
  Explore how Charlotte Fire supports CMPD during high-threat incidents and learn lifesaving bleeding control. 

• Week 6 – September 25 
  Rescue Capabilities and Vehicle Extrication 
  Discover Charlotte Fire’s technical rescue capabilities with a live extrication demonstration. 

• Week 7 – October 2 
  Hazardous Materials Response 
  See how Charlotte Fire handles dangerous chemical incidents, including gear and tech demos. 

• Week 8 – October 9 
  Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) 
  Learn how Charlotte Fire responds to aircraft emergencies during a demonstration with the ARFF training simulator at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. 

• Week 9 – October 16 
  Graduation Ceremony 
  Celebrate with the fire chief and your classmates. Dinner and certificates provided. 

Citizen Fire Academy participants take a closer look at equipment used during high-risk responses, part of a week dedicated to tools, tactics, and teamwork. 

Iyoob emphasized that the academy is designed for all comfort levels. 

“You don’t have to climb a ladder or put on gear unless you want to,” she said. “We’ll bring out the tools and equipment, and people can get as involved as they like or just observe. It’s a safe, welcoming environment.” 

The program is open to Charlotte residents age 18 and older. Participants are chosen with an emphasis on diverse community representation, from business leaders to educators to faith and neighborhood leaders. The goal is to include people who can help share what they’ve learned with others. 

Beyond the education, the Citizen’s Fire Academy is about building bonds. 

A Citizen Fire Academy participant experiences the power of a fire hose while fellow classmates cheer her on. This moment capped off a night of hands-on learning. 

“By the final week, people who came in as strangers are often hugging at graduation,” said Iyoob. “It becomes something really special. They understand us better, and we understand the community better.” 

There is no cost to participate, and all materials are provided. Graduates receive a certificate of completion during a final celebration with Chief Johnson and the command staff. 

“We want people to walk away with knowledge, but more than that, we want them to walk away with pride for their fire department, for their city, and for themselves,” Chief Johnson said. 

Applications are now open. Click the link below to register. 

CITIZEN FIRE ACADEMY REGISTRATION