The city of East Point’s community deputy fire marshal program will see resurgence in early 2013.

For no charge, East Point residents can enroll in the program to get a deeper understanding of the intricacies of fire department as well as be eligible to be of assistance should there be an emergency.

“The community deputy fire marshal program was created by the East Point Fire Department to offer citizens education information and training courses to address fire safety, medical emergencies, crime, terrorism and natural disaster risk,” said public information officer Renita Shelton.

Shelton said the program was also instituted to allow citizens to be more active participants in their communities.

Curriculum for the program is thorough and includes instruction on emergency preparedness through CPR, first aid, family emergency preparedness, blood pressure screening, smoke alarm installation and fire extinguisher training.

“There will also be instruction in fire ride-along and community policing,” said Shelton.

The program has been around since 2004, so it is not a new institution.

Those who enroll participate in six sessions over a six-week period.

A vision of East Point Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud, the program is intended to have a specific outcome.

“During a disaster, public service entities are operating at a maximum,” said Shelton. “The department was seeking a means through which the community could viably play a part in providing emergency assistance. The program was developed as a result of this.”

Shelton said the goal is to allow for self-sufficient citizens who can provide aid until personnel arrive in times of emergency.

For those who are interested, they must complete an enrollment application. Applications can be obtained by contacting firefighter Montecia Paige, the program coordinator.

Paige can be reached at (404) 559-6414 or mpaige@eastpointcity.org.