FAIRFIELD — The city's Citizen Police Academy is helping to improve residents' respect for officers, says a recent graduate who encourages participants to sign up for the next session.

        “The police are always the ones who are portrayed as being abusive to citizens. I think we see that in Cincinnati constantly. But unless you've ridden with an officer in his cruiser, you don't realize the amount of abuse and disrespect they have to swallow, and just stand there professionally,” says Bob Kramer, 51, former owner of Kramer's Sew & Vac stores and now a professional motivational speaker.

FIRE ACADEMY

The Hamilton Fire Department is accepting applications for its Citizens Fire Academy.    The sessions, 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, begin Sept. 11 and continue for 10 weeks.    Classes are held at the department headquarters, 77 Pershing Ave., unless otherwise noted.    Participants must be at least 18 years old, have no felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years. They also must live or work in Hamilton or have a close working relationship with a business or agency in the city.    Cost is $20 for uniform items and a graduation ceremony.    Applications are available at fire headquarters from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.    Up to 15 candidates will be selected. Remaining applications will be retained for future sessions.    Information: Lt. Brian Ruhl, 868-5909, Ext. 110.

        Applications are being accepted until Aug. 15 for the city's ninth Citizen Police Academy class, which will be held for 10 consecutive Thursday nights beginning Sept. 13. The sessions are 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Fire Headquarters, 375 Nilles Road.

        “It has educated the citizens on how we're doing our jobs,” said Lt. Ken Colburn, who coordinates the academy class. “We have had one or two people out of each class that have remained very involved with the department ... and since the unrest in Cincinnati, we have had more vocal support than we have ever had.”

        The academy is one of several offered by area police and fire departments. The classes are designed to help citizens better understand how safety forces operate.

        The twice-yearly Fairfield program has become increasingly popular since its inception in September 1997, Lt. Colburn said. Typical topics include crime-scene investigation, police dog operations, drug and vice investigations, and crime-prevention tips.

        About 10 openings remain for the 20-slot academy.

        The free academy is open to anyone over 21 who has no felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions in the past five years. Applicants also ought to live or work in Fairfield, or have a working relationship with Fairfield police.

        For more information, call Lt. Colburn at 867-6030, Ext. 123.

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