Public and private support agencies assisting fire service disaster management

¶ … National Fire Academy

Established in 1971, the purpose of the National Fire Academy is to provide up-to-date training in fire service coursework, including a 4-year executive-level course. In addition, the Academy collaborates with other federal agencies, including the Fire Research Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Building and Fire Research Laboratory, the International Association of Arson Investigators, the United States Fire Administration, and the National Fire Protection Association to develop improved investigative, prosecutorial and training methodologies (Donahue, 2002). The responsibilities for the administration of the National Fire Academy fall to Academy Superintendent, Dr. Denis Onieal and the stated mission of the Academy is to, "Promote the professional development of the fire and the emergency response community and its allied professions" (National Fire Academy, 2013). In addition, the Academy is also tasked with developing, delivering and managing educational and training programs with a national focus that transcends state and local resources (National Fire Academy, 2013). According to the Academy's literature, "The programs are designed to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) goals to help State and local response agencies prevent, mitigate, prepare for, and respond to local, regional and national emergencies" (National Fire Academy, 2013, para. 3).

Attendance at the National Fire Academy is open to anyone who has substantial involvement in fire prevention and control, emergency medical services, fire-related emergency management activities, or allied professions (Eligibility, 2013). Although open to anyone with these prerequisites, candidates must satisfy certain selection and prerequisite criteria for each of the courses offered by the Academy (Eligibility). At a minimum, candidates for resident attendance at the Academy must have completed ICS 100 level and ICS 200 level training prior to their arrival at the Academy's National Emergency Training Center (Eligiblity). In addition, the selection of candidates for attendance at the Academy is also based on the following:

1. The impact the applicant will have on the quality of fire protection in the local community;

2. The potential for use of the skills acquired; and,

3. Equitable and representative distribution from the total fire service (Eligibility).

In addition, applicants for Academy training courses are also required to register for a FEMA Student Identification Number (SID) that is used instead of Social Security numbers on the Academy's General Admissions Application forms (Application forms, 2013).