The KFD has considered the media a partner in public education. The Knoxville Fire Department now holds an intensive training academy for members of the media, called the "Certified Fire Journalist Media Academy." The academy requires committing to a full training workshop - with both classroom and activity participation. The benefit for the media is the loan of protective gear and certification allowing the graduates inside fire lines to photograph and report closer to the action on both fire and medical emergencies.

The training program includes: Fire Ground Operations, Fire Behavior, Fire Suppression, Search and Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Helicopter, Trench and Mountain Rescue, Emergency Vehicle Driving (a favorite), Emergency Medical Services, the Flash Over/Back Draft Chamber (another favorite), and Stress Management. All students took advantage of an optional hour of physical training. The academy ended with a traditional "Barrel Squirt" competition.

After the Media Academy, we certify each journalist and explain the standard operating procedures of fire ground command, as well as the rules governing their scene privileges. In actuality, their greatest benefit comes from learning about the new fire service industry, and how it serves the community in many different capacities. They see how their fire department had grown into a full-service provider, including paramedicine, technical rescue, hazardous materials fire fighting, and community education. The journalists also achieve a greater and safer understanding for the emergencies to which we respond.

The Knoxville Fire Department will continue to hold a media academy on an annual basis, open to current certified journalists and a limited number of new journalists. The friendships made during this intense week of training have transcended the bounds of normal working relationships.