The Columbus Fire Department is in the middle of its third year of a volunteer academy, which trains those who are interested in volunteering, and Chief Dan Miller is pleased.
The three-month-long course teaches the basics of firefighting and, those who complete it, are inducted into CFD’s volunteer roster.
“When they successfully graduate the academy, they test with the state fire marshal training division and they receive a nationally recognized certification as Firefighter 1 and Hazardous Materials Hazmat Operation,” Miller said. “That is our baseline level entry into the fire department and they are considered a firefighter if they successfully graduate.”
This year, seven individuals are participating in the academy, six from Columbus and one from Monroe.