Citizens Police Academy and Citizen Fire Academy

The Highland Park Police Department and the Highland Park Fire Department are offering a Citizens Police Academy (CPA) and Citizen Fire Academy (CFA).  The programs are designed to promote public safety and awareness training. Both programs are free and open to Highland Park residents.

The CPA provides residents with hands-on Police Department training in a multitude of exciting areas including patrol, investigations, and administration. Participants will learn about the numerous functions accomplished by the Department and gain insight on crime prevention. The CPA is a 9-week course that meets every Wednesday from 7 PM to 9:30 PM at the Highland Park Police Station. The CPA is limited to 15 participants 18 years of age or older. The Citizens Police Academy will begin August 30, 2023, and conclude on October 25, 2023. Applications will be accepted in the order they are received and can be dropped off at the police station, faxed to 847.433.9488 or emailed to bsoldano@cityhpil.com. For more information, please contact Sgt. Brian Soldano at 847.926.1083. 

***2023 CLASS IS FULL***
Citizens Police Academy Application 

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional Citizens Police Academy information, please contact Leigh Delaney at 847.926.1084 or ldelaney@cityhpil.com. 


The CFA is an 8-week program that provides participants with an experiential learning experience to better understand the work performed by firefighters on a daily basis. Training includes an introduction to the Highland Park Fire Department and the Fire Service, fire prevention, fire investigations, public education, and a tour of the Dispatch Center. In addition, participants will learn about self-contained breathing apparatus, engine and truck company operations, vehicle extrication, and emergency medical services, dive, technical rescues, hazardous materials, and live fire training. 

The 2022 session will be held on Thursdays from September 8 - October 27, 6:30 - 9PM at Fire Station #33 (Headquarters.)

Citizens Fire Academy Application 

For additional Citizen Fire Academy information, contact Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Gottschalk at cgottschalk@cityhpil.com or call the Fire Department at 847.432.0801.