MISSION: We will provide citizens an overview of the services that Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department provides, increase fire and life safety awareness, and promote the customer service aspect of our department.

PURPOSE: Share with interested citizens of Fairfax County the around the clock services provided by uniformed and civilian employees, and to provide a valued and positive image of the department and its employees.

OVERVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY FIRE & RESCUE ACADEMY: Designed for adults to learn more about how the fire department is organized and operates. The Community Fire & Rescue Academy (CFRA) is open to persons 18 and older who live in Fairfax County. Classes meet Thursday evenings for seven consecutive weeks, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. beginning March 28, 2024, and ending May 9, 2024. Each session, participants learn about a different aspect of the fire department, ranging from fire suppression, emergency medical services, hiring and training firefighters to special rescue operations. Participants will also spend time at fire stations, training academy, Public Safety Headquarters, and at the 911 dispatch center. For more information, please contact Willie F. Bailey, 571-641-0036 or via email at willie.bailey@fairfaxcounty.gov.

It is important to note the Community Fire & Rescue Academy is a vehicle that provides an overview of and in-depth look at the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department. The Community Fire Academy is not intended to train participants as firefighters/EMTs or assist in an emergency situation.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q. How much does the Academy cost?
There is no charge to participants.

Q. When do classes meet?
Classes meet every Wednesday for eight weeks. Each class is 3 hours in length.

Q. What will be the class size?
Each session will average 25 participants.

Q. Will I learn how to become a firefighter?
No – this program is designed to explain all aspects of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department; not actually teach firefighting skills.

Q. Who will teach the classes?
During the eight weeks with us you will interact with many members of the department. All of the classes are taught by fire department personnel.

Q. Will there be any physically demanding activities during the academy?
No – during the course students will have the opportunity to put on firefighting gear and other similar activities but they are strictly optional.

Q. Will I have fun?
YES!! And you will learn a lot also.

 

Now Accepting Applications! (Deadline Friday, March 22, 2024) 

To apply:

• Click this link for the application: CFRA Application
• Completely fill out the application.
• Print it out and sign it.
• Then, either:
  • Scan it into a computer and email it back to Deputy Chief Willie Bailey at fire.cfra@fairfaxcounty.gov
  • or:
  • Mail it to:
    Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy - CFRA Application
    Training Coordinator Section,  Attn. Willie F. Bailey
    4600 West Ox Road 
    Fairfax , VA 22030 

 

Questions? Email to fire.cfra@fairfaxcounty.gov