CAMDEN — Folks out and about in downtown Camden Oct. 5 likely assumed it was just another firefighting practice drill at the station, with the ladder truck fully extended and individuals in full gear climbing toward the top.

It was, however, the first session of the Camden Citizen’s Public Safety Academy. Participants got to experience first-hand what many firefighters undergo physically when they are at fire scene.

Five students registered for the six-week academy with classes alternating each week between the fire and police departments. The classes are to combine classroom instruction and hands-on experience with equipment and practical scenarios provided by several firefighters and officers of both departments.

“For the first class on Oct. 5, participants learned about the history and statistics from Camden Fire Department, as well as standard fire equipment. Each student received a set of personal protective equipment, was able to try out the extrication equipment and climb a fire ladder,” according to Matthew Heath, of the Camden Fire Department, who is coordinating the academy.

Additional topics that the fire department will cover in their upcoming classes include fire ground water supply, hose use, working in confined spaces, pumping, emergency management, wildland firefighting, special rescue, and dispatch services provided by the Knox Regional Communications Center.

Classes are held each Wednesday at the Camden Public Safety Building from 6 to 9 p.m. and are free of charge.

Heath said that community members are encouraged to still join the academy for the remaining classes. The upcoming classes for the fire department are Oct. 19 and Nov. 2. The police department will be featured on Oct. 12, Oct. 26 and Nov. 9.

Participants do not have to be a residents of Camden to join the academy, but must complete an application prior to class.

Applications are available online (see attachment) and at the Camden Public Safety Building located at 31 Washington Street.

Heather Redfield, of Camden, one of the students, summed up her experience after the first class. “I have never had such fun learning about something. I worked the Jaws of Life extrication tool, got up close and personal with firefighter gear, and the best was the chance to climb the ladder truck. Two intrepid men with better knees than mine went up to the top.”

Redfield added that she “learned a whole new level of respect for firefighters who willingly shared their time to open our eyes to what the Camden Fire Department does. What a great bunch!”

To learn more about the academy or register, contact Heath at the Camden Fire Department at 236-7950 or email at mheath@camdenmaine.gov.

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com