Firefighter safety transcends politics. Regardless of political affiliation, we can all agree that firefighter training must remain a priority. Simply put, safety is a byproduct of training. The more we train, and the more opportunities we have to train, the better prepared we are to save lives – both our own and those of the communities we serve.
For the more than four decades I have been in the fire service, I have witnessed firsthand how training serves as the foundation for success on the fireground. Training is the heart and soul of every fire department. As your training goes, so does your department. A department’s effectiveness is a reflection of its training. This is why the recent news of the closure of the National Fire Academy is alarming and disappointing.
For many years, the National Fire Academy has been the backbone of firefighter education and professional development in the United States. Firefighters from all 50 states have gathered there to exchange ideas, refine strategies and elevate the profession. And it is not just the in-the-classroom learning that matters; it is where the cross-pollination of ideas, strategies and tactics occurs among firefighters from different parts of the country. Additionally, its programs influence state and local training initiatives, shaping how departments prepare for emergencies. The National Fire Academy provides advanced education in fire prevention, emergency response, incident command, leadership and other critical areas, ensuring that firefighters across the country receive standardized, high-quality training.
Beyond its academic contributions, the National Fire Academy also houses the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, a sacred place where we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is also home to the National Firefighter Memorial Service, an annual event for the families of our fallen brothers and sisters. Never forgetting is far more than a slogan here.
This is not just a fire service issue; it is a public safety issue.
We must urge policymakers to recognize the National Fire Academy’s critical role and advocate for its continued funding and support.
Our safety – and the safety of the communities we serve – depends on it.
The fire service is built on the principles of preparedness, dedication and continuous learning, and this always begins with training and OUR National Fire Academy.
