Do you want to know more about the gear, procedures and trucks of the Bedford Fire Department?

Well, the department is still accepting applications for a free, six-night Citizens Fire Academy to run Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29 and April 5, 12, and 18, at 6 p.m. at the Safety Complex on Route 101.

The classes are for residents, not only those training to be firefighters.

“There’s a little misnomer there – people say, ‘Well, I don’t want to be a firefighter.’ And that’s why we call it the Citizens Fire Academy,” said Gary Pariseau, who is putting together the program.

The six sessions will include presentations from experts and practical procedures.

Do you want to know more about the gear, procedures and trucks of the Bedford Fire Department?

Classroom activities include the history of the Bedford Fire Department; the functions of the present day fire department, including administration, personnel, training, fire suppression, fire prevention and prehospital care and emergency management.

Hands-on activities will include fire extinguisher training, American Heart Association CPR (cardio pulmonary resusitation) certification.

The participants will also extricate a victim from a simulated car accident and will operate the fire apparatus with firefighter supervision.

According to Fire Chief Scott Wiggin, the intent of this program is to educate Bedford residents about what services the fire department provides the community and give participants the first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be a Bedford firefighter.

The application deadline is Monday, March 5. Anyone interested can contact Capt. Mark Klose at 792-1372.