GAINESVILLE - Gainesville Fire Rescue took the time to train a very different group of firefighters today - some everyday citizens who wanted to experience a day in the life of a first responder.

GFR hosted their second annual Citizens Fire Academy, giving 20 adults a chance to take a walk in a fireman's boots.

Participants suited up in actual gear and had the chance to try out some real training scenarios including hooking up a hose, learning about different types of medical equipment, and opening a car with the jaws of life. 

Chief Gene Prince says the citizens get "to see how heavy this equipment is, how heavy the equipment we wear to be protected in a hazardous atmosphere is, and that gives them a lot better appreciation for firefighting as a whole, and hopefully maybe we'll get a recruit or two."

Firefighters say they enjoy the opportunity to teach the community about how important first responders are in all different types of emergencies.