WASHINGTON — The recent suspension of all in-person training at the National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, has drawn widespread criticism and concern from fire service leaders, former U.S. fire administrators and dozens of members of the U.S. Congress, who warn that the decision undermines firefighter preparedness and public safety.
Fire administrators and superintendents speak out
In a letter addressed to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, former USFA administrators and NFA superintendents expressed deep concern over FEMA’s decision to halt training. They stressed that the NFA plays a critical role in developing fire service leadership, equipping firefighters with the skills necessary to manage disasters ranging from large-scale fires to hazardous materials incidents.
The letter emphasized that the NFA has historically operated as the “American fire service war college,” providing vital leadership training comparable to military institutions. The signatories urged FEMA to reverse course immediately, arguing that without these programs, the fire service risks losing crucial training that enhances response capabilities nationwide.
Fire and EMS organizations call for reinstatement
Aside from the plea from former federal leaders, 32 fire and emergency service organizations, including FireRescue1, also joined the push for the academy’s reopening. In a separate letter to Secretary Noem, the coalition emphasized that programs like the NFA, as well as the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) programs, are essential to public safety. The letter warned that cutting or suspending these initiatives could strain already underfunded fire departments, impacting their ability to protect communities.
Adding to concerns, the suspension of NFA training has also disrupted related programs at state fire academies, further compounding the loss of educational opportunities for fire service personnel. Fire officials say the pause in training threatens to create a knowledge gap that could have long-term consequences for fire departments nationwide.
In a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, the coalition emphasized the critical role of the NFA in supporting public safety, national security, emergency response, disaster preparedness and hazardous materials management. They highlighted that the NFA’s programs and personnel are vital in ensuring that first responders can deliver timely and effective emergency medical care during both routine incidents and large-scale disasters.
In addition to concerns over the NFA closures, fire and EMS organizations also addressed a separate letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging continued support for essential programs such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) and the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer. The letter stressed that these programs play a critical role in firefighter and EMS health and safety by investigating line-of-duty deaths and collecting data on occupational cancer risks. Fire service leaders warned that weakening these initiatives could have long-term consequences, as they provide essential research and policy guidance that help prevent firefighter fatalities and illnesses.
Congressional letter urges reopening
While former fire administrators and industry organizations have taken the lead in calling for the immediate reinstatement of NFA courses, a bipartisan group of lawmakers also weighed in. A letter was sent to FEMA and DHS officials, underscoring the importance of the academy’s training. The group cited data from Fiscal Year 2023, when over 40,000 firefighters attended NFA courses, with 90% of supervisors reporting improved emergency response capabilities as a result.
The legislators emphasized that the NFA serves as the “American fire service war college,” providing critical training and education to tens of thousands of career and volunteer firefighters nationwide. They highlighted that the academy’s programs are instrumental in advancing the professional development of fire service personnel, as mandated by the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974.
The urgent call for action
With fire service leaders, former administrators, EMS organizations, and national associations aligned in their demand for reinstatement, the message is clear: The National Fire Academy’s training programs are not expendable. Fire officials warn that every day without these courses represents a setback for emergency preparedness, leaving firefighters and EMS personnel without the leadership and technical skills they need to protect their communities.
As fire officials and organizations continue to push for the reinstatement of in-person training at the NFA, all eyes remain on how the new DHS secretary will respond to the mounting pressure from fire service advocates.
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