Citizens Fire Academy

I cordially invite you to attend the Murray Fire Department Citizens Fire Academy.  The purpose of the academy is to promote education and cooperation between citizens and the personnel of the Murray Fire Department whose goal it is to protect your life and property 24/7.  The role of a firefighter is no longer just someone who puts out a fire.  A firefighter’s role has evolved into a multi-tasked position within the community.  Some of the tasks include public education, general public assistance, vehicle extrication, and the handling of hazardous materials, just to name a few.

Participants in the academy will tour the fire stations and trucks, learn about safety equipment and bunker suits, breathing apparatus, rescue equipment including the Jaws of Life, hands-on experience of fire extinguishers, fire hose construction, connection, capacity, sources of water used, response procedures for a fire alarm, arson investigation, and hazardous materials.

You may pick up an application at the downtown fire station located at 207 South 5^th Street in Murray, or you may request an application online (PDF).  I look forward to working with you and sharing our commitment to the community with you.

Chief Michael Skinner

Murray Fire Department

207 South 5^th Street

Murray, KY  42071

270-762-0320

Email:  mskinner@ci.murray.ky.us

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can attend the academy?
Anyone over the age of 21 who lives or works in the City of Murray can apply to attend the academy. Applicants will be subjected to a limited background check to determine their suitability. The check will be limited to criminal history. The information will not be used for any other purpose nor shared with any other person or entity.

Is there a charge for this program?

No, this program is offered absolutely free of charge as a way to give back to the community where our officers live and work.

What will I receive upon graduation?

Upon graduation attendees will receive a group photo, a certificate of completion and an MFD academy t-shirt.

Will this make me a firefighter?

No. This program is designed to present information on what the fire department actually does and provide a forum to allow constructive interaction between the fire department and the citizens of Murray. The academy graduates will not become firefighters, but hopefully they, along with the firemen, will work through the misconceptions created from a lack of understanding of the daily activities of firefighters.

What is the Citizens Fire Academy?

The Citizens Fire Academy is an educational and informative program that allows citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that face firefighters in Murray and Calloway County.

The goal of the Citizens Fire Academy is not only to help local residents better understand the firefighter’s role in their community, but to develop stronger ties between our community and the Murray Fire Department.

Academy attendees are instructed on how the Fire Department functions and the day to day operations of the different divisions within the department. Part of the academy includes a visit to Key Auto Parts to allow applicants to participate in a vehicle extrication.     

The classes are conducted by firefighters assigned to the area of the scheduled topic. Various field work will also be included in the course.

Classes will be held on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. over a 6 week course period.