Residents Being Invited to Participate in Upcoming Police & Fire Academy Class
ABOVE: Missouri City Fire Chief Eugene Campbell speaks to attendees at retreat.
Here recently, Missouri City Fire & Rescue Services hosted a three-day leadership retreat facilitated by Dr. Larry Iverson and Chief David Washington (retired) of the Las Vegas Fire Department. On the first day, attendees received coaching from Dr. Iverson and Chief Washington on developing the Missouri City Fire & Rescue Services vision. The second day, other City departments and county EMS leaders joined the retreat for educational sessions on developing leadership skills. Topics included: Traits of Proactiveness; Emotional Intelligence; Managing Change; and Principals of Partnership. The final day of the retreat focused on creating a new strategic plan for the team.
By the end of the retreat, both facilitators were raving about how engaged attendees were, often asking questions and for clarification of ideas shared. According to Dr. Iverson, this may indicate the material was being absorbed and well-received. Chief Washington noted that conversations with attendees found that some learned new ideas and information while others received a good refresher of ideas previously learned.
In addition to this internal training, Missouri City residents are invited to get involved in the action as well, by joining the Annual Citizens’ Police & Fire Academy for 2017.
The program offers a “behind-the-scenes” view of the dangers firefighters and police officers face on the job. Class begins on May 2 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. for seven weeks at Public Safety Headquarters, 3849 Cartwright Rd.
This free program is for citizens who are at least 18 years old. Interested residents may apply online on the City’s website or pick up an application at the following locations:
• Public Safety Headquarters, 3849 Cartwright Rd.
• Police Mini Station, 1703-A Texas Parkway
• City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Parkway
“This popular program gives residents an opportunity to see and perform the many jobs of their local public servants,” said Missouri City Chief of Police Mike Berezin. “The seven-week program features live police scenarios, a vehicle extraction, CPR training, mock crime scene investigations, and a SWAT demonstration.”
After completing the academy, members will be eligible to join the Police & Fire Auxiliary and/or the Citizen’s Response Team, both of which provide support to local police officers and firefighters.
“The Academy is a perfect opportunity for residents to learn more about the daily operations of the Police Department and Fire & Rescue Services. The program reviews the different types of crimes officers are confronted with on a daily basis and also provides an overview of the training police officers and firefighters undergo,” said Missouri City Fire & Rescue Services Chief Eugene Campbell, Jr. “The cadets will experience building searches for armed suspects, conduct traffic stops, and participate in many other hands-on activities.”
For more information, please call Sgt. Jazton Heard at 281.403.5825 or email him at JHeard@missouricitytx.gov<mailto:JHeard@missouricitytx.gov>.