Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died on Dec. 29 at the age of 100. While his legacy is deeply rooted in his post-presidency humanitarian work and commitment to the peace process, Carter also made a significant impact on the fire service during his time in office, from 1977 to 1981, particularly through his broader work in emergency management and public safety.
Creation of FEMA
In 1973, a national commission studying the U.S. fire problem created a report that would become a wake-up call for fire protection in America. “America Burning” defined in blunt terms that America’s fire problem was one of the worst in the world’s industrial countries. It also formed the framework for Congressional action in passing the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974. The law created the National Fire Prevention and Control Administration (NFPCA).
In 1978, Congress voted to change the name of NFPCA to U.S. Fire Administration, and in 1979, President Carter’s Reorganization Plan No. 3 placed the USFA within the newly created Federal Emergency Management Agency. Carter created FEMA via Executive Order 12127, effective April 1, 1979, and in signing Executive Order 12148 on July 20, 1979, Carter gave the agency the dual mission of emergency management and civil defense.
Carter’s broader emergency management policies placed greater emphasis on preparedness, planning and resource allocation.
National Fire Academy support
The National Fire Academy (NFA) was established in 1974 under the Fire Prevention and Control Act, but it gained significant momentum and support during Carter’s presidency. The NFA campus in Emmitsburg, Maryland, opened in 1979, offering courses and training to fire service personnel and others engaged in fire prevention and control. The academy provided critical training and resources for firefighters and fire officers, further professionalizing the fire service.
NFA Superintendent Eriks Gabliks shared more on LinkedIn:
Advocacy for fire prevention and control technology
Carter’s administration played a pivotal role in advancing fire research and supporting legislation that improved fire prevention and control technology, as well as efforts to improve fire safety codes.
- Funding fire research: Investment and attention were given to research into flame-retardant materials for construction and consumer products; studies on the dynamics of fire behavior, including ignition, spread and suppression techniques, provided firefighters with better tools and strategies for managing fires; and the administration supported studies focusing on wildfire prediction and prevention, a growing concern in the late 1970s due to increasing fire incidents in forested areas.
- Enhanced building and fire codes: Under Carter’s leadership, federal agencies worked to develop and promote improved building and fire codes. These included sprinkler systems and fire detectors, plus improved electrical standards that encouraged safe electrical installations and the adoption of codes that reduced risks associated with faulty wiring.
- Data collection and analysis: Carter’s administration supported the National Fire Data Center (NFDC), which was established under the 1974 Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act. The NFDC collected data on fire incidents, causes and outcomes across the U.S.; analyzed patterns and provided actionable insights to policymakers and fire services; and helped identify common fire hazards and develop targeted prevention strategies.
- Collaboration with fire technology institutes: The administration strengthened relationships with research institutions, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which conducted extensive studies on fire prevention and suppression technologies. This collaboration led to advancements in protective gear for firefighters and fire suppression tools, like foams and extinguishers.
Leaders express gratitude
Several government and fire service leaders offered their thanks to President Carter and condolences to his family.
President Jimmy Carter’s legacy of leadership and compassion transformed our nation, from championing human rights to reimagining how we care for communities in need. His administration established @FEMA, laying the foundation for disaster response today. We honor his memory.
— Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (@SecMayorkas) December 30, 2024
Jimmy Carter dedicated his life to public service. Whether as a Georgia peanut farmer, United States President, or leading humanitarian, he never lost sight of his mission to serve others. I'm keeping the Carter family in my prayers as we celebrate his long and incredible life.
— Edward A. Kelly (@IAFFPresident) December 29, 2024
As governor of Georgia, Jimmy Carter signed Title 25, granting fire fighters in the state the right to collectively bargain with their municipalities.
— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) December 29, 2024
His signature in 1971 gave @IAFFofficial members a better, more secure future today.
May he rest in peace. https://t.co/4n1GVg08Li
President Carter was a true public servant, and his service and humanity established a legacy of leadership and integrity for all to follow. FEMA was created by President Carter, and we continue to honor his work by helping people before, during, and after disasters.
— Deanne Criswell (@FEMA_Deanne) December 30, 2024
Long-term impacts
Carter’s support for these fire service organizations and broader fire prevention efforts reflected his administration’s focus on public safety, preparedness and resource optimization, leaving a lasting legacy that may not be the top headline for the most, but one that has a significant impact on firefighters across the country.
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