It follows actions taken by the Trump Administration earlier this year.
Washington DC (KM) Sixth District Representative April McClain Delaney has introduced a bill dealing with the cancellation of classes at the National Fire Academy. She says this measure follows a decision earlier this year by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. On March 7th, 2025, FEMA ordered Academy classes canceled without any notice to fire fighters and medics who were coming to Emmitsburg for training.
“Many fire fighters were already on flights from Hawaii, California and other states when the cancellation was announced. and they had to turn around. There was a time they had non-refundable travel expenses,”: says Congresswoman McClain Delaney.
She says the bill she introduced is called the FLAME Act, which stands for Firefighter Learning and Management Education. It would require at least 30 days notice to student s of any planned cancellations and only the US Fire Administrator could issue large scale cancellations of classes at the National Fire Academy. Fire Departments which had incurred travel expenses due to the cancellation of classes could seek reimbursement from FEMA.
“Because many of these volunteer fire departments, they operate on a shoestring,” she says. “If they’re going to put out their hard-earned money, they should be reimbursed if there’s a sudden cancellation.”
Large numbers of fire fighters and medics from across the country come to the National Fire Academy each year to take specialized courses.
Representative McClain Delaney says this bill’s chances of passage are very good. “I think it has a pretty good chance of moving forward. It’s going to take a couple of months to go through the standard process. I feel very positive about it., “Representative McClain Delaney.
She notes the legislation is not controversial. “It’s one that will ensure that we will continue to have classes and support for our fire fighters.”
By Kevin McManus