In this Chief Chat, Fire Chief Jason Caughey discusses the recent closure of the National Fire Academy as well as the broader political challenges facing fire and emergency services in the U.S. He highlights the Academy’s crucial role in providing national fire training and criticizes its closure as an unjust attack on the fire service. Caughey also addresses legislative challenges such as reduced funding and attacks on collective bargaining, emphasizing a need for action from firefighters. He urges members of the fire service community to join organizations like IAFC, IAFF, NVFC and CFSI to advocate for their profession and secure the future of fire services.
Read next:
Goldfeder, Bashoor, Moore-Merrell, Leeb and other U.S. fire service leaders urge reaching out to elected officials about the importance of National Fire Academy programs
Get More from Chief Caughey
The fire service responded as it always does, tackling the challenges with vigor and determination
Whether new or used, apparatus costs are skyrocketing, and departments need to develop a plan
Key steps for volunteer and combination departments to implement a community risk reduction program
Chief Caughey urges leaders to avoid getting distracted by external, often ego-driven, symbols of the profession
Four key steps for minimizing incident command challenges
