FLAME Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

In an effort to reach out to at-risk students, Gwinnet County initiated it's FLAME program. Through this program, Firefighters provide a positive adult relationship, similar to an older brother or sister, and help students develop essential values like self-esteem, teamwork, and goal development. Just as importantly, the students develop a meaningful friendship that is a positive source of encouragement. The F.L.A.M.E. program is an innovative partnership between Gwinnett County Public Schools and Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services. Counselors at all 30 elementary schools involved are equipped to pair at-risk students with mentors quickly and appropriately. That teamwork has been smooth since the program’s inception and continues to improve with each interaction. All F.L.A.M.E. meetings during school hours on school grounds, facilitated by school administration. In 2011, the department hosted the first annual F.L.A.M.E. Camp for 130 students and teachers. The camp taught fire and life-safety skills and fostered healthy communication so students could relate better to their peers and develop stronger relationships with other adults. The program grew from grassroots to a full-blown phenomenon in a very short time. Today, the program is in 30 schools countywide with more than 50 firefighters involved as mentors. Feedback has been overwhelming. Students are so appreciative of their new friendships with real heroes and firefighters are pleased to have made a visible impact in the daily lives of the students.