The Topeka Fire Department proudly announces the 2008 Citizen’s Fire Academy Class.

The 12 members of this year’s class, who received Certificates of Completion include:

Michael J. Browne
Mark J. Schwerdt
Eric S. Anderson
Tom Schuetz
Peggy Dawson
Don Dawson
Paul Schober
Virginia Craig
Dorothea Krivenko
Daniel Krivenko
Cheryl Habig
Casey Habig

Topeka Fire Chief Howard H. Giles was assisted by City Manager Norton Bonaparte as they presented certificates to the citizens at the completion of a six week session, which addressed the Topeka Fire Department’s organization, mission and goals; as well as services offered by the department, including Confined Space Technical Rescue, Hazardous Material Response, 1st Responder – Emergency Medical services, fire stations locations and visits to several stations, the different types of fire apparatus used by local firefighters, CPR Friends and Family training, fire investigation – including a demonstration by Boomer, the department’s accelerant detection K-9, hands on fire extinguisher training and so much more.

The purpose of the Citizen’s Fire Academy is to give the citizens of Topeka an up close and personal look at their Topeka Fire Department, during non-emergency situations.

The Fire Department wishes to thank and congratulate publicly, these citizens.

Fire officials say they hope the class will stay involved with the fire department by joining the Fire Core, a group of volunteers who help in crisis or emergency situations.