The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department has partnered with Atlanta Public Schools to launch the Fire Safety Mentorship Program. A key initiative of the City of Atlanta’s Year of the Youth campaign aims to connect AFRD personnel with APS students, fostering mentorship that supports personal growth, academic achievement, and fire safety awareness.
“Every station will dedicate three hours per month to the program, with each shift contributing one hour of dedicated time,” said Fire Chief Roderick Smith. “Units will remain in service during the mentoring activities as we support students from pre-K to high school.”
The mentorship is structured around three phases: Crawl, Walk, and Run. During the Crawl phase, students learn essential values such as duty, integrity, and selfless service while gaining a foundational understanding of fire safety and community involvement. The Walk phase introduces more interactive elements, including fire safety education, CPR training, and discussions on financial literacy and single-parent households. The final phase, Run, focuses on career development, offering guidance on resume building, college preparation, and emergency response drills.
The Fire Safety Mentorship Program represents a significant opportunity to empower Atlanta’s youth and help cultivate future leaders, both in emergency services and beyond,”
Chief Roderick Smith
The goal of the program is to enhance student confidence, improve academic performance, and provide critical life skills while fostering stronger relationships between firefighters and the community. Additionally, students will receive career insights, preparing them for future roles in emergency services or other fields.
AFRD and APS will collaborate with local businesses, parents, and community members to ensure the program’s success. The initiative will include regular assessments to measure student engagement, academic progress, and community involvement.
