The Fire Academy of Kentucky

09/04/2026

Week Three is a wrap. 😎

I’ll keep it short for my haters… and, well, because I wasn’t there to witness a single thing this week. 😂 Just over here doing my Mom Duties and keeping all my friends updated as best I can. Y’all are welcome. 😂 Sorry for the shortage in pics…I’ll make up for it next week!!

The recruits spent the majority of the week in the classroom covering structural search and rescue, tactical ventilation, fire hose operations and hose streams, and fire suppression.

Not a whole lot of hands-on action this week, BUT they did manage to escape the classroom for a bit! They toured dispatch centers and a few historical buildings in downtown Central City and Greenville. A nice little change of scenery, a break from the classroom, and they even learned a thing or two while they were at it. 😉

And, to my knowledge, there were NO cleaning catastrophes this week. 🙌🏼

So… we’re doing good, people. Things are looking up. 😂

As always, we are incredibly proud of the work these recruits are putting in and so thankful for all the instructors, departments, and everyone else who continues to pour into them throughout this journey.

Three weeks down. Plenty more to go. Keep after it, Class 009! 🔥

08/28/2026

🔥 CLASS 009 WEEK 2: WE’RE STILL HERE, SO THAT’S PROGRESS. 🔥

And just like that… Class 009 has survived another week. And honestly? They’re doing pretty dang good. 👏🏼

This week they tackled fire dynamics, ropes & knots, ladders, forcible entry, overhaul, and scene preservation in the classroom. And FINALLY, they got to bust out of the classroom for a little hands-on destruction. 😏 They spent some time working on forcing doors and breaking windows, and they absolutely knocked it out of the park!

Today, those who hadn’t already obtained their CPR certification got that checked off the list, while the rest of the crew got some extra reps in on the forcible entry props. Because apparently we just can’t give them enough opportunities to break things. 😂

It’s been a REALLY good week.

I’m starting to see them come together. Friendships are forming. Bonds are being made. They’re cheering each other on, helping each other through the hard stuff, and slowly becoming a pretty dang solid little family.

And as the unofficial Academy Mom, that makes me ridiculously proud. 🥹

We also learned some valuable lessons this week that may or may not have anything to do with firefighting. 🤔😂

For starters, we survived the stainless steel cleaner incident on the windows. We have moved forward. We have grown. We have healed. ❤️‍🩹

HOWEVER…

We also learned (and I truly have no idea how) that you can, in fact, turn the ENTIRE mop bucket over.

All of it.

Every last drop.

A learning experience for everyone. 😂

They were also introduced to a squeegee and managed to locate the fans pretty quickly.

Look at us. Learning. Adapting. Problem-solving. 😏

Another proud-ish moment.

We’re all still figuring each other out around here. 42 recruits + all of our staff is a LOT of personalities, opinions, questions, energy and general shenanigans under one roof. 😂 It’s a process, but we’re doing our best over here! 🙃

And while we may joke about the chaos, I really am proud of this group.

To our instructors: thank you. You continue to show up every day and give these recruits everything you’ve got. Your knowledge, patience, encouragement and dedication are what keep this whole thing moving in the right direction, and we are incredibly grateful for you. ❤️

And to our recruits: thank you for showing up every day ready to learn, eager to work and willing to give it your best.

The effort you’re putting in inside the classroom is impressive, but the way you’re already supporting one another outside of it is even better.

I love watching you cheer each other on during skills. I love seeing you encourage someone who’s struggling. I love watching you celebrate each other’s successes. 🥰

Those are the things that matter.

You’re not just learning how to be better firefighters. You’re learning how to be better teammates, better leaders and better people. And those characteristics will follow you far beyond the doors of this academy and back into your respective departments and into life.

I have a feeling that by the time this thing is over, some of you are going to wonder how you ever lived without the other 41. ❤️

Keep going, Class 009. Keep working. Keep learning. Keep looking out for each other.

And PLEASE…

Let’s keep the mop buckets upright next week. 😂

We love to see it, and we can’t wait to watch you grow. 🥹🔥

Now go rest. You’ve earned it. ❤️ See you Monday!! (Well…I won’t, but everyone else will … 🏖️😎 I’ll see you on 9/8 - but I’ll do my best to give a good Facebook update next week 😉🤗).

08/22/2026

𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: 𝐖𝐞'𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠!

Have you considered a career where you can serve your community, make a difference, and help others every day?

The Henderson Fire Department is still accepting applications for Firefighter-In-Training.

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐓𝐨 𝐆𝐨!

Applications close 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟖 at 𝟒:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 (𝐂𝐒𝐓).

After you apply, don't forget to attend our 𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.

This meeting is a great opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, learn about the hiring process, and hear firsthand about the types of calls we respond to.

This meeting will be 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟗, 𝟓:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 at Fire Station One, 𝟑𝟑𝟐 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭.

Apply using the QR code or visit the link below and select "Firefighter-In-Training": https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofhendersonky

08/21/2026

🚨 CLASS 009: WEEK ONE … SURVIVED. 🚨

Wellllll… Class 009 has officially survived Week 1. 😂🔥

They met each other. And THAT was a lot. Because there are 43 OF THEM. Forty-three people trying to learn names, faces, personalities, where they’re supposed to be, and what the heck is happening. 😂

Our group leaders were introduced, and let me tell ya… they are doing a phenomenal job. I couldn’t have picked them any better if I had done it myself.

Because I absolutely did. 😉😂

They’ve spent the week getting familiar with their PPE, each other, our incredible instructors, and The Fire Academy itself…AND they have been up doing PT every day before 7 am 💪🏼 They’ve learned a LOT, both inside and outside the classroom.

They’ve also learned some very important life lessons.

For example: You cannot use a microfiber towel with stainless steel cleaner on the windows. Whoopsie.

Even if you use window cleaner afterward.

Just… don’t. 🙃😂

We’ll call that a learning experience and move right along. 🥴

This week they covered PPE, building construction, and today they got to play with fire extinguishers. 🔥🧯

We also slowed things down for a day and talked about something incredibly important: protecting themselves from the job they’re preparing to do.

Marc Henderson with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network spent time with our recruits discussing carcinogen exposure, properly caring for their gear, taking care of themselves, and the absolute importance of always wearing their SCBA.

We are incredibly grateful to Marc for taking the time to educate our recruits about the cancer risks associated with this profession and, most importantly, how they can protect themselves.

Because we want these recruits to have long, healthy careers…not just make it through training. ❤️

Our recruits also had the opportunity to hear from members of Class 008 about the Academy’s “do’s and don’ts.” A huge thank you to Landon Wicker and Blake Shelton for coming back and sharing their experiences with the new class.

Nothing like having the class that JUST survived come back to tell you what not to do. 😂

Battalion Chief Chris Owen with Paducah Fire Department also spoke with the recruits about the importance of protecting their mental health. He did an incredible job, and we are so grateful for the encouragement, knowledge, and perspective he shared with them.

And then there are our instructors. ❤️

We cannot say enough about these people. They show up every single day and pour their knowledge, experience, and time into these recruits as they prepare for their careers ahead.

They teach them. They challenge them. They encourage them. And occasionally, they probably wonder what they got themselves into with 43 of them. 😂

But they keep showing up.

And we are incredibly grateful for every single one of them.

Families… YOUR RECRUITS ARE COMING HOME! 🎉

Enjoy them this weekend. Feed them. Let them sleep. Maybe don’t ask them to perform any higher-level thinking until approximately Tuesday. 😂

Their brains are probably mashed potatoes after everything that’s been thrown at them this week.

Give ’em some grace. Let ’em recharge. Let ’em remember what their own beds look like.

Then send ’em back Monday morning ready to ROCK. 💪🔥

1 WEEK DOWN.
10 TO GO.

08/18/2026

We would like to send a warm welcome to our newest full time staff member, Mr. Spence Sowell!!

Today we would like to introduce you to Spence Sowell. Spence started at the Fire Commission August 3, 2026 and works as a Training Specialist for the Fire Academy of Kentucky in Greenville.

Prior to joining the Fire Commission staff, Spence spent many years working for Hopkinsville Fire/EMS and ultimately retired from there. His favorite aspect of the fire service is passing on what he has learned and sharing his passion with today’s upcoming fire personnel.

Outside of the fire service Spence can be found boating, hunting, spending time with family and playing bass in the praise band at his church.

One interesting fact about Spence is that he belongs to and volunteers with a nonprofit organization called Wings Up Outdoors, a combat-veteran run organization focusing on serving first responders, military heroes and Gold Star children by leading outdoor adventures.

Spence, welcome to the Fire Commission. We are glad to be working with you!

08/18/2026

One of our very own…Mr. Charlie Rafferty!! Thank you for all you do! We appreciate you!!

Meet Charlie Rafferty

KFA Honor Guard & Funerals Committee Chairperson
Green River Firefighters Association

Charlie Rafferty has dedicated 30 years to the fire service and 16 years to the Kentucky Firefighters Association. He began his career in 1996 serving the Airport-Sorgho community and rose through the ranks to Assistant Chief. In 2002 he was named Firefighter of the Year. Charlie also retired as a Lieutenant with the Daviess County Fire Department in 2023.

He currently serves as a Training Specialist for the Fire Academy of Kentucky with the Kentucky Fire Commission. Charlie is a founding member and commander of the Green River Honor Guard.

Credentials & Training
Charlie brings more than 9,334 combined training and instructor hours to the table. His certifications include:
• Career Firefighter
• Haz-Mat Technician
• Emergency Medical Technician
• WMD Radiological/Nuclear Awareness Train-the-Trainer
• WMD Terrorist Bombing Train-the-Trainer
• IFSAC Firefighter I & II
• IFSAC Evaluator (Level I & II)
• IFSAC Haz-Mat Awareness & Operations
• Fire Service Instructor I & II
• Fire Officer I
• ASHI CPR Instructor

Outside the Firehouse
When he’s not training firefighters or leading the Honor Guard, Charlie enjoys riding motorcycles.

He is married to Lisa Rafferty. Together they have daughters Emily and Madson, son Nathen, and grandchildren Connor, River, Gavin, Harlow, and Charlie.

One of Charlie’s most meaningful experiences in the fire service has been attending the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

We’re proud to have Charlie’s leadership, experience, and dedication serving the Kentucky Firefighters Association and our members across the Commonwealth.

08/14/2026

🚨 CLASS 009 — YOU’RE UP! 🚒🔥

The Fire Academy of Kentucky is officially welcoming Class 009 on Monday, and y’all… we’ve got 43 new recruits representing 22 departments from across the Commonwealth coming through our doors! 🇺🇸🚒

We’ve got a little bit of everything in this group: volunteer departments, paid departments, recruits we’ve had the pleasure of working with during our EMT class, AND a whole bunch of new faces we can’t wait to get to know.

To all of the departments who have trusted us with your recruits: THANK YOU. Seriously. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and for trusting us to be part of this journey. We’re looking forward to watching these recruits learn, grow, get pushed out of their comfort zones, and become the firefighters you’re counting on them to be. 👏🏼🔥

And because I don’t know how to make a short Facebook post… 😂

I’ll do my best to keep y’all updated throughout their 11-week journey with us! That means pictures, updates, accomplishments, probably some questionable moments, and enough words to make you wonder if I’ve ever heard of a character limit. 🤣

So BUCKLE UP.
And tell everybody you know to FOLLOW THIS PAGE. 👀

We’re a lot of fun around here.
🦝 Or at least we think we are. 🙃

To our incoming recruits: travel safe, get here in one piece, bring your A-game, and get ready. Your next 11 weeks are about to be one heck of a ride.

🔥 WELCOME ABOARD, CLASS 009! 🔥

Let’s get to work. 🚒💪🏼

08/07/2026

🚑 And just like that… EMT Class 2026 is officially in the books.

Five weeks ago they walked in bright-eyed, nervous, and wondering what they had gotten themselves into. Today? They walked out stronger, smarter, more confident, and just a little more sleep deprived. As it turns out, learning to save lives is hard work. Who knew? 😉

We’ve watched these recruits grow every single week, and that’s the best part of what we do. They showed up, put in the work, took the constructive criticism (most of the time 😏), and proved they were up for the challenge.

Now let’s talk about the real MVPs… our instructors. The ones who answered a million questions, demonstrated the same skills over and over, encouraged, corrected, coached, and somehow managed to keep everyone alive…including each other. 😂 As I’ve said about 4,729,284 times… it takes a village. Lucky for us, we’ve got the best one around. ❤️

Today was a little bittersweet. We said goodbye (for now) to our friends from previous Fire Academy classes. We’ll miss your faces around here… probably. 😉 And to our recruits heading right back into Recruit Class 009 on August 17… we aren’t even pretending to say goodbye. Just don’t unpack your bags (read that novel email I sent you) and we’ll see ya real soon. 😅

To every department that trusted us with your recruits—thank you. We know they’re the future of your departments, and we’re honored to play a small role in helping prepare them for what’s ahead.

Congratulations, EMT Class 2026! Go take care of your communities, never stop learning, trust your training… and remember… somewhere out there is an instructor who can still hear you asking, “Wait… can you show us that one more time?” 🤣

Now go do great things.

(And don’t let us see your name in an incident report unless it’s because you did something awesome. 😘) 🚒🚑

08/05/2026

07/31/2026

🚑 Week 4 ✔️

Well, friends… we’re down to FIVE. CLASS. DAYS. 😳

Somebody check on the recruits. And maybe their instructors, too.

Me?! I’m fine. Everything is fine. Swear. 🥴 Nobody’s grouchy. Everyone is SUPER pleasant. Just peachy ’round here. We LOVE it. 🙃

Just kidding. If I’ve said, “That’s hateful,” once this week, I’ve said it approximately 47,292,847 times. Sometimes I’m talking to myself. It’s totally fiiiiine. 😂 Really. We are THRIVING here.

Seriously though… we’ve seen such a huge boost in confidence over the last few weeks, and it’s been so much fun watching everything start to click. Their ride time experiences seem to have been a success, and we can’t thank all of the preceptors, departments, and EMS services enough for taking these recruits under your wing. You shared your knowledge, your experience, and probably your snacks. (Hopefully not your bad habits. 😉)

It truly takes a village, and we have the best one around. We appreciate every single one of you.

Now recruits… enjoy your weekend. Sleep. Eat. Pretend you’re not thinking about next week. We all know you’re going to wake up Sunday afternoon with that little “Oh no… tomorrow is Monday” feeling. 😂

One final week. One final push.

If you think about it over the weekend, send up a prayer, throw out some good vibes, cross your fingers… whatever your thing is. These recruits have worked hard, and next week is the week that determines whether they’ll be eligible to sit for their NREMT.

We believe in you. (Even if you’re currently pretending not to look at your EMT book until Sunday night.)

See y’all Monday. Let’s go finish this thing. ❤️🚑