Emmitsburg Ponders Future Amid National Fire Academy Class Cancellations
In the small town of Emmitsburg, Maryland, a decision by the Trump administration has sparked uncertainty. The sudden cancellation of in-person classes at the National Fire Academy, a key part of the town’s identity and economy, has left residents and local officials questioning the future.
Frank Davis, the mayor of Emmitsburg and a former federal employee, initially supported Trump for his stance on reducing federal spending. “I’m probably gonna get shot for this, but he is doing what he said he was going to do,” Davis remarks. However, the recent cancellation of courses at the academy has made him reconsider. “It will change my outlook to say that they’re not being fair,” he says, pointing out the administration’s cuts without considering the local impact.
The National Fire Academy, often likened to a “national war college for firefighting,” has been instrumental in training thousands of firefighters annually. Denis Onieal, a former superintendent, emphasizes the academy’s significance, stating, “The National Fire Academy takes men and women out of their comfort zone and … exposes them to real serious tragedies.” He warns that without this training, communities may face disasters they are ill-prepared to handle.
Despite the importance of the academy, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) cites travel costs as the reason for halting non-employee travel, affecting the academy’s operations. “The bottom line is we are no longer paying for non-employee travel,” a FEMA statement explains, suggesting that only mission-critical programs will be funded.
Local businesses, such as the Ott House pub, which relies heavily on visiting firefighters, are also feeling the strain. Co-owner Susan Glass worries about the potential loss of income and jobs. “I’ve already told a lot of our employees that it’s a possibility they won’t have a job for the summer,” she says, hoping for a reversal of the decision.
In the political arena, Maryland’s congressional delegation is seeking answers. Rep. April McClain Delaney, whose district includes Emmitsburg, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen have expressed their concerns. Delaney finds the decision “absolutely nonsensical,” while Van Hollen describes it as “extremely short-sighted and dangerous.”
As the town of Emmitsburg awaits a resolution, the uncertainty continues to loom over its residents, many of whom supported Trump for his promise of fiscal responsibility, but now question the implications of his administration’s decisions on their community.
