For years, city residents interested in local government could attend the Harrisonburg Citizen Academy for a behind-the-scenes tour.
Over 13 weeks, participants learn about each of the city’s departments. However, the fire department’s presentation only whet their appetites.
Because some attendees wanted more, Fire Chief Ian Bennett said, the Harrisonburg Fire Department will launch its inaugural Community Fire Academy, similar to the well-established Community Police Academy.
“We had outstanding feedback. So, we wanted to build on that,” Bennett said. “We wanted to give them a complete overview of the fire department.”
The academy will begin on May 7 and run through June 18. The two-hour classes, held each Tuesday, begin at 6 p.m. at the main fire station at 80 Maryland Ave.
Bennett said each week will have a theme.