Civilians Fire Academy
Online
In PersonWe are thrilled to share that the Henrico County Division of Fire’s Civilian Fire Academy is now accepting applications! This program offers a unique opportunity to delve into the heart of the internationally accredited Henrico County Division of Fire, giving you a personal glimpse into the dedication and courage it takes to be a Henrico County firefighter.
Spanning 9 weeks and starting on October 9th, 2025, this journey will conclude with a heartfelt graduation ceremony on December 11th at 6:30 p.m., where you can celebrate this milestone with family and friends. Open to both Henrico County residents and non-residents, participants must be 18 years or older to register.
Throughout the program, you will engage in classroom instruction and hands-on training led by our passionate Henrico firefighters. You will discover the vital workings of Henrico County’s emergency medical services and fire ground operations. In the Henrico Civilian Fire Academy, you will have the chance to:
- Explore a fire engine
- Operate a fire hose
- Wear turn-out gear
- Ride on the fire boat
- Use vehicle extrication tools
- Operate thermal imaging cameras
- Participate in hazardous materials demonstrations
- Learn rescue methods
- Understand how the Division of Fire prepares for local and county-wide emergencies
Embrace this opportunity to ignite your passion for service and safety!
We sincerely appreciate your interest in the Academy and thank you for taking the time to submit your application. Due to an overwhelming response, we have had to close the application process earlier than anticipated. We encourage you to check our page periodically for updates on when the next Academy session will begin. Thank you for your understanding.
The upcoming class is full. Return to this page for information on future classes and applications.
Here are some memories of our past Civilian Fire Academy.
2024 September Civilians Fire Academy Class photo
Civilians Fire Academy September’s class photo in front of a fire engine
Civilians Fire Academy April Class of 2025
Academy participant securely rappelling down a building.
Academy participant trying on an oxygen mask.
Academy participants looking at device
Academy participants trying on firefighting gear.
Civilians Fire Academy class learning about fire hose movement
Civilians Fire Academy class riding in the bucket of Truck 312
Civilians Fire Academy class learning how to repel off of the 7-story tower
Civilians Fire Academy class learning how to wear dive gear from dive team instructors.
Civilians Fire Academy class working together in full turnout gear flowing water through two hose lines.
Civilians Fire Academy class working together in full turnout gear flowing water through two hose lines Fire Instructors are observing the group.
Civilians Fire Academy class riding in the bucket of Truck 312
Participants on a Fire Boat
Two female participants on a fire truck.
Participants learning about the equipment on a fire truck.
Henrico Fire Boat on the water.
Participants boarding a fire boat.
Henrico fire fighters in training.
Henrico fire fighters working together during training to put out a car fire.
Participant putting on a hazmat suit.
Participants working together using a hose.
Training group learning about a car fire.
Training group extinguishing a car fire.
Participants learning about the fire truck equipment.
Training on working the fire hose.