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Education Programs

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firefighters doing school visit

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The Westminster Fire Department offers several opportunities to learn more about our department and overall safety. Some of those programs include our Citizens' Fire Academy, CPR/AED/First-Aid certification classes, and ride-alongs. 


Citizens' Academy

The 2025 Citizens' Academy dates have been set! Please see below for dates and a link to our application.

Are you curious about how the Westminster Fire Department operates? Want to see firsthand what it takes to respond to emergencies in our community? If so, don’t miss your chance to join the Citizens' Academy!

This interactive program offers a behind-the-scenes look at fire and medical response, water rescues, vehicle extrication, fire investigations, and more. It’s designed to educate and engage community members while providing valuable fire and life safety knowledge.

You do not need to be a Westminster resident in order to apply and participate but preference will be given to residents in the instance that the applications reach capacity. Juveniles 15 years of age and older can apply but must attend the academy with an adult guardian. Please note, this course is simply to gain community knowledge and is not a precursor to a career in fire or emergency services. You must be able to attend at least 80% of the academy, barring emergencies.

2025 Schedule

The 2025 Citizens' Academy will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6pm-9pm. Additionally, we will have one Saturday 'hands-on' day where participants will have the opportunity to do additional activities.

  • Wednesdays, March 26 - May 7, 2025 (note: class will not be held on Wednesday, April 9th). Time: 6pm-9pm.
  • Saturday, April 19th. Time: 9am-3pm. Hands-on experience day, including ladder climbs, the JSPA physical fitness test, and vehicle extrication.

Application

Complete the online application by Friday, March 14, at 5:00pm. Once processed, you will receive a notification regarding your application status. Accepted applicants will receive a confirmation letter with details about the first class.

If you have additional questions about our Citizens' Academy, please email Public Information Specialist Emily Peek at epeek@westminsterco.gov.


CPR/AED and First-Aid Classes

The Westminster Fire Department offers American Heart Association CPR/AED and First Aid classes to the public, Westminster businesses, and Westminster community groups. All courses include adult, child, and infant CPR as well as AED training. The First Aid module is included every other month, however students seeking CPR/AED only are also able to register for these dates. Interested participants must be at least 12 years of age. Pre-registration for scheduled CPR/AED classes is required. If you would like to schedule for a business or community group, please contact Fire Administration at 303-658-4500.

Fees

Westminster Fire Department CPR and First-Aid fees can be found below.

  • CPR/AED/First-Aid Class - $75 (includes book)
  • CPR/AED Only Class - $65 (includes book)
2025 Course Dates

Click Here For More Information and to Register (search AED to locate courses if link does not route)

  • February 15, 2025 - CPR/AED - 8am - 11am
  • March 15, 2025 - CPR/AED/First Aid - 8am - 1pm
  • April 19, 2025 - CPR/AED - 8am - 11am
  • May 17, 2025 - CPR/AED/First Aid - 8am - 1pm
  • June 21, 2025 - CPR/AED - 8am - 11am
  • July 19, 2025 - CPR/AED/First Aid - 8am - 1pm
  • August 16, 2025 - CPR/AED - 8am - 11am
  • September 20, 2025 - CPR/AED/First Aid - 8am - 1pm
  • October 18, 2025 - CPR/AED - 8am - 11am
  • November 15, 2025 - CPR/AED/First Aid - 8am - 1pm
  • December 20, 2025 - CPR/AED - 8am - 11am

All courses will be held at the Westminster Public Safety Center at 9110 Yates St. and will begin at 8:00am. CPR/AED classes will be 8am - 11am. and CPR/AED/First-aid classes will be 8am - 1pm.

*Please note that we will need at least 4 students registered in order to proceed with a scheduled course. Any student registered for a course that is cancelled for not meeting the minimum number of students will be given the option to move to a future course or receive a refund of any fees paid.


Fire Department Ride Along Program

The Westminster Fire Department provides citizens an opportunity to complete a ride along with one of our stations to observe and learn about the array of services that our department provides. Interested participants must be at least 16 years of age. Those participating under the age of 18 must provide parent or guardian authorization and must complete the Parental/Guardian Release Form. Ride along applicants can request a minimum of a 4-hour ride up to a maximum of a 12-hour ride with our department.

Approved riders must abide by our dress code and rider guidelines. A ride can be terminated at any time should the station officer or Battalion Chief deem it necessary. All rider applicants must submit their request and application forms through Fire Administration and must give at least two weeks’ notice before the requested ride along date. If you are interested in completing a ride with the Westminster Fire Department, please download the required forms and submit them to Administrative Technician Kelly Ehredt. Applications will be accepted in person at Fire Administration located at 9110 Yates St. or by email to Kelly Ehredt at kehredt@westminsterco.gov.

All Westminster Fire Department rider applicants are subject to approval. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Westminster Fire Department Ride Along Program, please call 303-658-4500.


Flashover Fire Camp

We are excited to announce our 2025 dates! Our next Flashover Fire Camp will be held September 27-28, 2025. Check our website and follow us on social media for updates.

Flashover Fire Camp is a 2-day camp offered to young women between the ages of 16 and 20. This camp is a free opportunity to connect with female firefighters, learn more about firefighting, and challenge themselves through an array of activities. All gear and food will be provided during the camp. Campers will connect with mentors that will inspire them to achieve their full potential. All participants will have the opportunity to earn a CPR and First-Aid certification at a later date.

CLICK HERE for additional details about the camp.


Fire Extinguisher Training

The Westminster Fire Department offers fire extinguisher training for businesses and citizen groups at no charge. The training involves classroom learning and may involve some live-fire exercises using fire extinguishers. To learn more about extinguishers and to schedule a training, contact Fire Administration at 303-658-4500.


Building Evacuation Planning and Training

The fire department provides assistance to businesses in planning and conducting evacuation drills. These may be used in the event of fires or other emergencies. If you would like more information about building evacuation planning or if you would like to schedule a training, please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 303-658-4500.