The City of Montgomery has marked a new step in community engagement with the graduation of the first class of the Montgomery Fire/Rescue Citizens Academy.

City officials said the program was created to give residents, civic leaders, and community partners a firsthand look at the department’s daily operations, emergency response capabilities, and overall public safety mission.

Montgomery Fire/Rescue, which holds both an ISO Class 1 rating and national accreditation—distinctions earned by only a small percentage of fire departments nationwide—launched the academy as part of a broader effort to strengthen transparency and public trust.

Participants in the inaugural class spent several weeks working directly with fire personnel through hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions. The training covered fire prevention, emergency response, and rescue operations, providing insight into the work performed by firefighters and paramedics.

“This program is about building trust through understanding,” said Mayor Steven L. Reed. “When residents can see firsthand the level of training, preparation, and commitment our firefighters bring to this work every day, it strengthens confidence in the systems that protect our city. This is another way we are investing in a safer, more informed Montgomery.”

The Citizens Academy comes during a period of continued growth and investment for the department, including the opening of Fire Station 10 last year—one of the most modern facilities in the region.

Fire Chief Russell Collier said the initiative is designed to strengthen relationships between first responders and the community they serve.

“This inaugural class represents an important step in opening our doors to the community we serve,” Collier said. “Our goal is to provide clarity about what we do, how we do it, and why it matters. When residents understand our capabilities and the decisions we make in critical moments, it strengthens the partnership between our department and the community.”

Officials said strong interest in the program could lead to additional Citizens Academy sessions in the near future as the city continues efforts to expand public safety education and outreach.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].