Pass The Torch Academy
The next Pass the Torch Academy will be on:
Contact Specialist Bobby Johns in Recruiting for details at 512-974-0106.
This day-long workshop and seminar was created to inform African-Americans of career opportunities in the fire service. The academy will be held at the AFD Bill Roberts Training Center, located at 4800-B Shaw Lane.
The workshop includes demonstrations and hands-on exercises that showcase the activities of firefighters. Speakers will describe the history of African-Americans in the Austin Fire Department and the rewards of a firefighting career. A propane burn demonstration will be conducted followed by activities that allow participants to suit up in full bunker gear and get a close-up look at the work of a firefighter. These activities include search and rescue, first aid, a high-rise emergency simulation, extinguishment of live fire, and familiarization with fire equipment and vehicles.
The phrase “Pass the Torch” refers to a speech prepared by former AFD captain Willie Ray Davis, who was one of the first three African-American firefighters hired by the Austin Fire Department and in the State of Texas. Davis referred to his hiring as the lighting of a torch that should be passed on to future generations of African-American men and women seeking careers in the fire service. AFD held five “Pass the Torch” academies in 2005.
Please browse the photos from our past academy and be all means listen to the encouraging and to the point, no nonsense speech to the 2004 Pass the Torch participants.