In-Person Training Resumes at National Fire Academy After Temporary Suspension
The National Fire Academy sits inside this complex in Emmitsburg, in western Maryland. Thousands of firefighters come here for training each year, but the Trump administration canceled in-person classes in early March, seemingly to cut costs. Justin T. Gellerson for NPR
After a brief halt, the Trump administration is reinstating face-to-face training sessions at the National Fire Academy located in Emmitsburg, Maryland. This change comes after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had initially suspended the sessions in March, citing concerns over funding for non-essential programs. However, a recent assessment by FEMA recognized the value of certain courses, leading to a decision to resume these critical training sessions.
“FEMA’s principles for emergency management assert that disasters are best managed when they’re federally supported, state managed and locally executed,” the agency emphasized.
Known as the national war college for firefighting, the academy annually welcomes thousands of fire chiefs to its programs. These programs cover various aspects from leadership skills to investigative techniques for fire incidents.
The resumption of classes is particularly significant for Emmitsburg, a small town with a population of approximately 3,000, which significantly benefits from the economic impact of the visiting firefighters. In addition to Emmitsburg, the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama, and the National Disaster and Emergency Management University have also seen a restoration of their in-person courses.
The decision to suspend the training had faced sharp criticism from Maryland’s congressional representatives and some firefighters who had supported Trump. They argued that halting training for first responders was both illogical and risky.
John Beck, chief of the Waynesboro Volunteer Fire Department in Pennsylvania, commented on the situation, stating, “We’re getting back on track with the training that should have never been taken offline. But this is good news because this is exactly what the public deserves.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative April McClain Delaney of Maryland welcomed the decision to restore the training, expressing that the initial cancellation was not justified and posed a potential threat to community safety.
Van Hollen remarked, “The Trump Administration’s decision to abruptly cancel these classes made no sense — and what’s more, it risked significant harm to our communities and those who protect them. I’m glad to see the Administration has heeded our calls to lift this senseless ban.”
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
