Noem Signals Hope Fire Academy Funding May Be Restored

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently appeared before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. During the meeting, Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen questioned her about the funding, which was cut in March as part of the Department of Government Efficiency efforts to reduce waste in federal department and program budgets.

After cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Fire Academy, which is funded by FEMA, canceled in-person classes and, later, virtual classes.

As the dust has settled from the cuts, some virtual classes have restarted.

Van Hollen asked Noem about the cuts and asked for reassurance that the funding would be restored.

“So, you’re bringing good news today that we’re going to renew funding for the National Fire Academy?” he asked.

Noem replied that that was the direction her office was taking. The news provided some hope for businesses and officials in the Emmitsburg area that benefit from the many trainees the academy brings to the area.

In late May, FEMA announced that the National Fire Academy and Emergency Management Institute would welcome back students this month.