When they’re not fighting fires, what do firemen do?  A lot, as the public has the chance to learn in the Hays Fire Department’s new Citizen Ride-Along program.

The program is open to all adult residents of Hays who will experience the firefighters’ work during a typical 24-hour shift. That may include responding to alarms, various types of training, fire house life, and fire safety inspections.

Citizens may ride with the fire department any day between the hours of 7a.m. and 10p.m.  The hours are flexible to accommodate the participant’s schedule and may include spending the night.

Chief Gary Brown says the Hays Fire Department is the residents’ fire department, and most people don’t think about it until they need emergency help.

Street Beat’s Casey McAvoy kicks off a four-part series Monday on Eagle Community TV Channel 14 about his experience as  a Fire Observer with host Firefighter Justin Choitz and driver Firefighter  Lucas Everett.