A group of Grand Junction resident literally walked in fire fighter's shoes.

They’re cutting patients out of cars, using a self contained breathing apparatus, and even responding to hazardous materials.

It’s all part of a 15 week program designed to teach locals what its like to work in emergency situations.

Saturday, was the hands on fire portion of the class.  A favorite for those enrolled in the public safety academy.

“The benefit is to learn about public safety and what their police, firefighters, and dispatchers do every day,” Chief Ken Watkins, with Grand Junction Fire Department, said.

The public safety academy offers this course annually.

This time around, over 20 students participated and will graduate from the program in just a few weeks.