The courses were canceled by FEMA.
Building H, National Fired Academy Rep. April McClain Delaney
Washington DC (KM) Sixth District Representative April McClain Delaney called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency to resume training courses at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. She spoke about that on Monday evening from the floor of the US House of Representatives. “The Academy, known nationally, is a place where each year, tens of thousands of firefighters and EMS, join top experts to train and share best practices in fire and hazard-safely. improving public safety across the country,” she said.
And, McClain Delaney, said that training is making a difference. “Over 90 percent of supervisors say that their firefighters were better prepared to respond to emergencies as a result of their Academy training,” she said.
FEMA has ordered all courses to be canceled at the National Fire Academy. This follows the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce federal spending and the US government workforce. Trump has also called for FEMA to be abolished, calling its inefficient. FEMA is usually the lead agency which responds for many disasters around the country, especially in areas where residents have lost their homes.
“With ever-worsening wildfires and other severe natural disasters threatening communities across this country, the education and training provided by the NFA has never been more important to strengthen our national preparedness,” she continued.
The National Fire Academy opened in 1974, and offers specialized courses and advanced management programs to numerous Americans across the country. They cover topics such as fire investigations, hazardous materials, fire prevention, emergency medical services and responses to terrorism. These courses are offered free of charge at the Emmitsburg campus, at off-campus locations and on line.
“And while I agree the government should run more efficiently, jeopardizing our fire fighters personal safely and the safety and the well being of our community is never the answer,” Representative McClain Delaney continues. “I call on FEMA to reverse this decision, and I call on my Congressional colleagues to join me in support of our fire fighters.”
By Kevin McManus