About NFA
Attending the Academy
Background
St. Joseph's College was purchased by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979 to serve as a training facility. Prior to its official closing in 1973, the college served as a four-year liberal arts college for women. In 1981, the facility was entered into the Federal records as the National Emergency Training Center (NETC).
Today, the 107-acre campus houses USFA, including NFA, the Emergency Management Institute, the Field Personnel Office, Satellite Procurement Office, and the Fallen Firefighter's Memorial. The Fallen Firefighter's Memorial was dedicated on October 4, 1981, and in October 1990 Congress designated it as the National Fallen Firefighter's Memorial. It is a memorial to firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The campus has fully equipped air-conditioned classrooms, lodging for students, the Learning Resource Center (LRC), and dining and recreational facilities. There are also several specialized facilities, such as Arson Burn Laboratory; Fire Prevention Laboratory with new smoke model; and Simulation/Exercise Lab and Network.
Campus Security:
Due to heightened security requirements, please understand that you, your vehicle, or your luggage may be searched by security and law enforcement personnel. Maryland law is very narrow in its definition of Law Enforcement Officers who may carry firearms. For your own protection, and to expedite your processing into the NETC, do not bring any firearms to campus. Sworn and State POST certified officers and federal officers or local officers with concurrent jurisdiction who require a firearm for the performance of required official duties must obtain an exception from the Director of Support Services or the NETC Safety and Security Specialist prior to arrival on campus. For more information, please call (301) 447-1422.
Last Updated: June 23, 2004 12:35 PM
An official web site of the Department of Homeland Security
and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 S. Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Voice: (301) 447-1000 FAX: (301) 447-1346 ADMISSIONS FAX: (301) 447-1441