A group of Evanston residents graduated Thursday from a city program that teaches participants about firefighting.

The Evanston Citizen Fire Academy, hosted by the Evanston fire department, held a formal graduation ceremony Thursday night at the Civic Center. The program was designed to provide community members with firsthand knowledge of what firefighters do on a daily basis, according to the city’s site.

The 10-week program had 17 participants who went to weekly classes and discussions, starting on Sept. 11.

Program staff taught lessons about various fire services including operating fire trucks and handling special situations, sometimes involving water rescues or technical rescues.

The ceremony featured a speech from keynote speaker Robert Hoff, a deputy chief at the Carol Stream Fire Protection District in Carol Stream, Illinois. Hoff served as the commissioner at the Chicago Fire Department until he announced his resignation in February 2012.

The Evanston Police and Fire Foundation held its third annual luncheon on Friday to benefit various police and fire programs, including the fire academy.

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