b'Independence Fire District NewsREGISTER TODAYCFA CLASS 6 IN AUGUSTThe Independence Citizens Fire Academy is an eight-weekVeterans Affairscourse that begins Aug. 22, 2024. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 6 pm to 9 pm at Fire Station 1 located at 1980NEW KDVA REP IN INDEPENDENCEDelaware Crossing. Class is limited to 20 students. Light meals/ Meet Emily Howard, the Kentucky Department of Veterans refreshments will be provided each session. Affairs Service Representative dedicated to helping veterans with their benefits needs. Emily will counsel and guide veterans and their families, relieving some of the burden associated with paperwork and filing claims related to injury or illness sustained during military service. In some circumstances, Emily can also be a liaison between the VA and veterans regarding their claims. She will answer questions and simplify tasks that may otherwise seem daunting and will help achieve the most successful outcome as possible for veterans. The City of Independence has proudly partnered with the KDVA for over a decade by providing a local benefits representative office at the City Building. Services Applications are available online at www.independencekyfire. through KDVA are always free. Office hours are 8 am to org or may be picked up at Fire Station 1 from 8 am to 4:304:30 pm Monday through Friday. In-person appointments pm. Please contact Chad Lucas for more information at (859)are scheduled Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 750-0994. Email Emily.howard@ky.gov or call (502) 686-3316. BENEFITS Check veterans.ky.gov and KDVA social media for more information.Students will be educated on the operation of the department. Class sessions will help create a greater awareness of the firefighters role in their neighborhoods. Students will receive information and strategies to help them work with other citizens in their areas in reference to fire matters.Upon completion of the course, academy graduates receive a diploma and a class photo. Additionally, graduates are encouraged to join the Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association. This will give them the opportunity for continued education and allow them to have a more interactive association with the fire department if they choose.REQUIREMENTSEach student must be 18 years of age or older. We strongly encourage our senior citizens to take part in this great opportunity! Spots will be filled on a first come, first served basis and preference will be given to those who live or work within the boundaries of the Independence Fire District. Each student must submit a completed application. Students will also be given an opportunity to complete an optional four-hour ride along with on duty fire crews outside of scheduled class times. Students must be free of felony convictions and agree to a background investigation. Instructional material is sensitive in nature, therefore confidentiality is required.Scan the QR Code to access the CFAEmily Howard, KDVA Representative11'