The North Augusta Citizens Academy, a 10-week series of classes designed to give people a better understanding of the work of first responders, started in September.
North Augusta’s Department of Public Safety offers the classes Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Public Safety Station II.
“Being here is a huge help,” said North Augusta Lt. Aaron Fittery while speaking to the attendees of a class. Fittery has been involved in overseeing the Citizen’s Academy for several years.
According to Fittery, the program began as a way to bridge “the gap a little bit between the community and public safety.”
Attendees learn about investigations and participate in scenarios displaying decisions officers must make responding to various situations. There is also a portion of the program that allows participants to have to ride along with officers on certain calls.
Richard Adams II, a member of the Aiken County Planning Commission and former North Augusta mayoral candidate, is one of those attending the academy this fall.
“If you want to be a representative of the people in any capacity, you need to know how each entity works,” he said. “That’s why I’m here, to learn more, build new relationships and connections with the leaders and representatives of the community and the citizens.”
Adams said he thinks the program can “bridge the gap between law enforcement and police officers and the African-American community.”
In addition to being more informed about the jobs of law enforcement, Adams mentioned interest in learning about the work of the fire department.
“We learned about how bring air into a structure that’s engulfed in flames,” he said. “Different ways to spray water, circulate air, so the firefighters can breathe.”
Patty Bouchillon, a resident of Aiken County, said she has always wanted to attend the academy in times past, but hadn’t found time until she enrolled this year.
“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it,” she said. “They really put a good program together. I would love to see other counties do it. It’s a great learning process in how every division works.”
She too found interest in the exercises about firefighting, finding it to be an interactive experience.
“We actually tried on the whole gear,” she said. “I’m only 123 pounds. The gear almost weighs 75. That just put me in awe of them right off the bat.”
David Lykins, a resident of North Augusta, said he learned about the academy from a friend who had completed the course. He said a program like this demonstrates the collaboration of all those involved in public safety.
“It’s one big, solid team,” he said. “I think it’s just a good team effort.”
According to Lykins, he has been observant and taking in all the information presented in the sessions.
“I just really thought it was very interesting and just wanted to see what it was all about,” he said.
In the weeks to come, attendants will continue to will add to their knowledge of what local public safety does with input from various officials in many departments.
For more information, visit https://www.northaugustasc.gov/government/city-departments/public-safety/citizen-academy
