ROCKWALL, TX (June 22, 2014) My son and I are fortunate to be among the 21 graduates of this year’s Citizen Fire Academy, a free, educational program presented by the Rockwall Fire Department. Every Thursday for nine weeks, our class met for hands-on instruction in structural firefighting, fire investigation and prevention.
Not only did the academy increase our safety awareness and offer an inside look at what it’s like to be a firefighter, but it challenged us mentally and physically. It helped us conquer our fears. It had a profound impact on my son, who is now more determined than ever to become a firefighter. And it gave us an even greater appreciation for those who risk their lives to save others.
From the first day of the academy to our graduation on May 22, it was non-stop, heart-pounding adventure. Recruits ranged in age from 16 to 60-something – each of us with our own reason for participating. High school students, like my son, were there to explore a career in firefighting. I was there to support my son. Others were involved in Rockwall’s Citizens Police Academy, and wanted to experience this, too. Some just wanted a thrill. Everyone wanted to be better prepared in the event of an emergency. And no one was disappointed.
We climbed a 100’ foot ladder, rappelled 75’ down a water tower, drug fire hoses and sprayed water, performed search and rescue, used the Jaws of Life, and earned CPR certification. We even had the opportunity to ride-along on real-life emergency calls. But the highlight of the academy was Burn Day, when we entered a smoke-filled, burning building and extinguished the flames.
Congratulations to the Class of 2014: Mason Barentine, Jessica Bates, Jared Bowker, Kelsey Boyd, Austin Cory, Brandon Foster, Michael Hardin, Margie Kirk, Adam Lagerberg, Brody Madler, Joby Mathew, Dawn Redig, Dylan Redig, Marilyn Rose, Suzanne Smith, Terry Smith, Amanda Thomas, Jerry Welch, Kendall Whitfield, A. Quinn Womack and Marissa Yaw.
Special thanks to Bryan Patrick, who led the academy; Chief Mark Poindexter, Battalion Chief Brett Merritt, Fire Marshal Ariana Hargrove, Paul Ayres, Kevin Clark, and all the firefighters who encouraged and inspired us: Captain Monte Gibson, Captain Gregory Givens, Captain Richard Williams, Justin Barker, Michael Burden, James Cowan, Michael Caffey, Kevin Conner, Adam Honea, Todd Hooten, Lewis Johnson, Tony Raymond, Todd Rowan, Tony Santoro and Bruce Winkelman. Thank you for all you do to keep our community safe.
Check out the photo spread inside our latest print edition hitting more than 17,200 mailboxes throughout Rockwall and Heath this week, and VIEW THE VIDEO SLIDESHOW created by Bryan Patrick:
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