U.S. Fire Administration

Emmitsburg, MD - The United States Fire Administration and the Emergency Management Institute announce the successful completion of wireless Internet services on the campus of the National Emergency Training Center (NETC). Effective June 8, 2009, the students, adjunct instructors and visitors occupying the dormitories of the NETC will be able to take advantage of the new wireless Internet services.

“We have known for a significant period of time the desires of visiting fire officials, emergency managers, and other local, state and federal officials to be able to use their digital equipment while guests of our training facility.
Our students have been very strong advocates for this service. I am pleased at this time to announce, following a 6 month installation and testing period, WiFi is now available in our campus dorms.”
- USFA Acting Administrator Glenn A. Gaines

During a typical year, approximately 18,000 students will participate in a wide variety of residential programs hosted at the NETC by the National Fire Academy (NFA) and the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). These students are just a sampling of the over 1,000,000 students who will participate in off-campus courses and NFA and EMI online programs.

“In most cases, the individuals that take the time to attend our resident courses are not only responsible for their training assignments, but also continued preparedness and safety projects back home,” added Dr. Cortez Lawrence, Superintendent of the Emergency Management Institute. “Having students, instructors, and guests from all time zones, the new wireless services provide the opportunity for these individuals to stay connected to their own emergency services day and night.”

Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy continued, “While we have been hearing the desire of our students to be able to take advantage of government provided WiFi on our site, the installation process has not been as easy as first thought. This effort by the USFA has demonstrated our commitment to the historic nature of our buildings as well as overcome significant challenges presented by our infrastructure. I will look forward to meeting with our students and explaining this new service available to support their visit, as well as aid in their research that often times extends well into the evening hours.”

For more information on all USFA programs and activities, visit the USFA at www.usfa.dhs.gov. For information on EMI programs, visit the EMI at www.training.fema.gov.