Representatives McClain Delaney, Thompson, Introduce Bill Covering The National FIre Academy

It would give Congress more oversight into the facility in Emmitsburg.Rep. April McClain Delaney (D-Md)Washington DC (KM) The US House of Representatives is expected to take up a bill calling for greater oversight of the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg. It was introduced by 6th District Representative April McClain Delaney (D-Md) and Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson. (R-Pa). Thompson has an interest  in this issue because of his background as a volunteer fire fighter.Congresswoman McClain Delaney says the legislation would require the NFA to submit an annual report with such information as the number of students enrolled in National Fire Academy courses and programs; the number departments that participated in NFA programming; the total amount of grant funds  awarded to local departments to participate in on-campus NFA programs; and the total amount of grant  funds awarded to local and state agencies to conduct off-campus NFA programs.”And what we’re really trying to do is supplement our comprehensive training program for the fire fighters,” says McClain Delaney. “The Fire Academy is incredible preparing our fire fighters  for the challenges they face.”She says this legislation follows the Trump Administration’s decision earlier this year to cancel all courses at the National Fire Academy. There were a lot of people who were en route to Emmitsburg, or were already there, and had to go home. “I let a letter with several of my colleagues to push back against that, and I was able to reinstate the classes for the Fire Academy,” says McClain Delaney.The National Fire Academy, which is located in Representative McClain Delaney’s District, is an invaluable resource for the fire service around the nation. “Many fire fighters across the country said this is an essential training and resource program, and that they really strongly support it,” McClain Delaney says.She notes that it’s extremely beneficial to fire fighters in rural areas. “A lot of these rural communities don’t have the ability to share best practices and develop emergency response methods,”  says McClain Delaney, noting that she grew up in Buhl, Idaho, and there are a lot fires in the mountains in Idaho,”At the National Fire  Academy, many first responders throughout the nation can share a common approach to emergency management, and it really saves lives and improves outcomes nationwide,” she says.In addition to Congresswoman McClain Delaney, other Maryland Legislators who have signed on in support of this bill are Representatives Sarah Elfreth, Steny Hoyer, Glen Ivey and Jaime Raskin.By Kevin McManus