Application Instructions

To apply for the 2024 Residents Fire Academy (RFA), please follow the below steps,
1. Download the application on this page.
2. Complete all the information on the form.
3. Print the form.
4. Sign your name, print your name, and print the date on the appropriate line.
5. Mail or personally deliver the application to:

Oklahoma City Fire Department
Attn: Major Dale Cason
2300 General Pershing Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK  73107

There will be a background check performed by the Oklahoma City Police Department once you have submitted the application.  You will be contacted regarding your application after the background check is completed.
Only accepted applicants may attend the RFA meetings.

Academy Information

The Residents Fire Academy is a program targeted toward adults in the Oklahoma City community. Academy participants will obtain an insider’s view of the services the Oklahoma City Fire Department provides, information about fire safety for the home and workplace, and a deeper understanding of the duties of a firefighter by engaging in hand’s-on activities.
As an added benefit, participants will have the opportunity to do “ride-alongs” at Oklahoma City Fire Stations during this eight-week academy.  This will be a great opportunity for the participants to see all the things that they have been learning about come together in real-world incidents.
The meeting times for the Residents Fire Academy are on eight consecutive Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., with a welcome beginning the first week at 5:30 p.m. During these eight informational and educational weeks, participants will be enlightened according to the following proposed outline:

Week One

The participants will be welcomed by City dignitaries and the President of the Residents Fire Academy Alumni Association will address the group. The Fire Chief will give an overview of the Oklahoma City Fire Department and discuss the Department’s role in the community. Pictures for ID badges will be taken.

Week Two

This night will discuss the role of Emergency Medical Services of the Fire Department.  Hands on activities will be rappelling from the drill tower and aerial bucket rides.    

Week Three

Special Operations night. The capabilities of the Department’s Special Rescue Teams will be demonstrated.  Hands on will include assisting our Rescue Dog Handlers with dog rescue exercises and performing water rescues from the shoreline.  

Week Four

The Department’s Community Risk Reduction and Training sections will be highlighted on this evening.  Participants will engage in a study of fire safety in the home, fire/smoke detection and alerting systems, home escape planning, and portable fire extinguishers.  Training will explain the responsibilities of keeping our firefighters and new recruits continually trained in the latest equipment and tactics.  Hands-on will include extinguishing live fires with a fire extinguisher.

Week Five

This night is dedicated to the explanation of fire ground operations. The Deputy Chief of Operations will discuss the Fire Department’s role on various incidents. Discussion will include strategy, tactics, risk analysis, and the Incident Management System.  Hands on include our citizens working side by side with our OKC firefighters in mock exercises.  

Week Six

The Deputy Chief of Support Services will explain this Division’s responsibilities.  The support functions of Fire Information Technology, Human Resources, Fleet Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance, CISM/Peer Support and Fire Dispatch will be discussed. The evening will conclude with a tour of the Public Safety Communications Center and a Fire Station.  

Week Seven

The Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention, who is also the Fire Marshal for Oklahoma City, will present an overview of the Fire Prevention Division. The Chief of Fire Investigation and the Chief of Code Enforcement will each provide insight into the inner workings of their respective work sections.  The Public Information Officer will give an overview of the importance of dealing with all types of media.  Hands on will include a few of our citizens being interviewed.

Week Eight

On this final night, participants will have the opportunity to tour the Oklahoma Firefighters Museum, enjoy a nice dinner while watching a class video and be a part of graduation.   The Fire Chief and President of the Residents Fire Academy Alumni Association will give final remarks.  Thank you for your participation!!