Firefighter Academy Classes Canceled

Call to Action 

The Maryland State Firefighters Association issued a press release yesterday to underscore their concerns about the “impact of canceling emergency and disaster training at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg.” 

WBAL11 reported on Monday, March 10th, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) abruptly cancelled all scheduled classes at the Emmitsburg academy over the weekend. WBAL noted the cancellations could have “a devastating impact on the town’s economy.” Trainees travel from outside the area to attend classes here, and Emmitsburg Mayor Frank Davis estimates the move might mean local establishments lose “up to 30% of their business.”

FEMA’s notice came via email, saying the changes will occur as the agency reviews priorities and directives from the Trump Administration, which slashing government spending via the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk.

According to it’s website, the National Fire Academy “provides free, specialized training courses and advanced management programs for middle- and top-level fire officers, fire service instructors, technical professionals, and representatives from allied professions.” Put simply, this is a training resource that keeps our first responders safe, and helps them keep our communities safe as well.

The Maryland State Firefighters Association (MSFA) called on anyone who has taken NFA classes to take the Congressional Fire Services Institute survey to provide insight to lawmakers: https://cfsi.org/nfa-stories

MSFA is also asking those concerned about the impacts to call their Congressional representatives. Find yours here: https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member