FEMA in-person classes will resume in Emmitsburg
The National Fire Academy and National Disaster and Emergency Management University will resume in-person training in Emmitsburg.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced the decision in a press release on Thursday.
In-person training was paused in March — though some online classes continued — in response to President Donald Trump's Executive Order that implemented the 'Department of Government Efficiency.'
The executive order called for a review of contracts, policies and practices at federal agencies, in an effort to 'ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public.'
The training facilities reopened after a comprehensive review by FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration determined that in-person courses provided effective training, according to the release.
'FEMA's principles for emergency management assert that disasters are best managed when they're federally supported, state managed and locally executed,' the press release said.
Emmitsburg Mayor Frank Davis said Thursday that he was not surprised by that outcome given his relationships with staff including Superintendent Eriks Gabliks.
'I was positive that they were going to find everything in good shape,' Davis said.
Spokespeople for the training facilities and FEMA could not be reached by phone for comment on Thursday.
Despite in-person classes being cancelled, the annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend was held at the National Emergency Training Center as planned earlier this month.
Davis said that given what a hub of activity the academies provide the town, with visitors eating in local restaurants and shopping locally, the announcement will 'make a good weekend for' the business community as it looks forward to the resumption.
Chris Wilson, daytime manager at the Ott House, said the news was great, not just for the bar and restaurant, but for the entire Emmitsburg community.
'Things have been kind of quiet,' Wilson said.
She added that the bar and restaurant has been getting by just fine, saying the Ott House is 'here for everybody.'
The walls and bar top at the Ott House are covered in patches, helmets and other items from fire departments and other emergency responders from across the country.
Wilson said owners Bob Ott and Susie Glass have estimated that around 30% of the bar's business comes from the academy.
'We're glad to have them back,' Wilson said. 'We missed them.'
Davis added that having the town's largest water customer back online helps the town with budgetary concerns.
'Also, we're going to be reaching out to them in the near future to help us with our disaster preparedness program — we need to have that updated and we're going to be looking for help from them with that,' he said. 'So it's really good news for us.'
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