Suffolk Fire & Rescue is now accepting applications for the third annual Citizens’ Fire & Rescue Academy, which will be held May 4 through June 10, according to a Wednesday press release.

Citizens will learn firsthand about the inner workings and operations of Suffolk Fire and Rescue, including those who may be interested in a fire service career, the press release states.

According to the press release, sessions will involve not only classroom instruction but also practical, hands-on lessons. These sessions will cover fire administration, support services, technical services, operations, fire suppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue, search and rescue, fire prevention and emergency management.

The academy is free to attend and is open to Suffolk citizens ages 18 and older.

Sessions will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from May 4 through June 10 — except on weeks including a holiday — at Fire Station No. 6, located at 300 Kings Fork Road. The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony on June 10.

An optional Saturday session for Heart Saver CPR Certification will be offered at no cost, and individual students may opt out, if they choose. This optional class will be held on June 6 at Fire Station No. 6.

Applications can be downloaded from suffolkva.us/citizenfirerescueacademy or obtained at any Suffolk Fire and Rescue location. The application process also includes a background check.

Applications and signed waivers may be submitted in person or via mail to Suffolk Fire & Rescue, Attn: Captain L.A. Ratliff, 300 Kings Fork Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. Applications may also be submitted via email to Captain L.A. Ratliff, lratliff@suffolkva.us, or EMS Training Officer Kim Barrett, kbarrett@suffolkva.us.

All applications and signed waivers are due no later than March 13. Participants are encouraged to resister early, as the class size is limited. Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance no later than April 17.

For further information, call Captain Ratliff or EMS Training Officer Barrett 514-4546.