Special to IFN

The City of Statesville is now accepting applications for the 2025 Public Safety Academy.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, this year’s academy promises to further enhance community understanding of public safety operations by providing an in-depth, hands-on look at the Statesville Police Department and the Statesville Fire Department.

The academy will run for eight consecutive weeks, beginning on April 10, and will conclude with a graduation ceremony on June 5, 2025. Sessions will alternate between expert-led classes from the SPD and SFD, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of public safety services in our community.

Application Details

♦ Deadline for Applications: April 3

♦ Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years of age prior to the first session. Must agree to sign a waiver and undergo a criminal history background check. Preference will be given to Statesville residents with eligibility open to all Iredell County residents.

♦ Interested individuals are encouraged to apply early, as spaces are limited. Application forms can be obtained from the City of Statesville website at www.statesvillenc.net. Click on “Public Safety Academy” under the Quick Links. You can also contact the departments directly. Reach the at SPD 704-878-3442 and the SFD at 704-832-3878.

Curriculum Highlights

Police Department Sessions

This year’s police department curriculum is designed to provide information on key aspects of police operations, featuring:
♦ Administration, Patrol Division, recruiting and training, communications, and crime analysis/mapping
♦ Community services and traffic enforcement
♦ Criminal Investigations and Violent Crimes Unit
♦ Special Response Team (SRT), K-9 Unit, and scenario-based exercises

Fire Department Sessions

This year’s fire department curriculum is designed to provide a robust introduction to key aspects of firefighting and rescue operations, featuring:
♦ Introduction to the fire service and firefighter operations
♦ Investigations, hazmat, and drone operations
♦ Technical rescue and abilities course
♦ Emergency medical services and technical rescue and extrication

This comprehensive program provides valuable insights into the vital functions of our public safety teams and offers participants a chance to engage directly with the professionals who serve our community. The academy is an excellent opportunity for those interested in public safety careers to learn, ask questions, and provide feedback that helps shape future initiatives.