Room Named for Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Gaines

EMMITSBURG, MD – Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines had a thirst for knowledge.

He was a familiar face in classrooms at the National Fire Academy. Often, he wasn’t there as the instructor or guest lecturer, but as a student.

The retired Fairfax County Fire and Rescue chief’s passion for education never waned.

Gaines died in April after suffering a massive heart attack at his Virginia home.

On Sunday, a conference room in the Learning Resource Center was dedicated in his honor.

Dr. Denis Onieal, Gaines’ longtime friend who succeeded him as Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator, said he feels it’s a fitting tribute.

“We wanted to honor Glenn in some way. I think this is perfect…”

Gaines authored a fire service text, and assisted with a number of others.

He also wrote several articles for Firehouse Magazine including one submitted days before his death.

He is credited with being the architect of the FIRE Act grant programs including SAFER during his tenure with DHS.

Onieal said of his friend:  "He was as talented and comfortable crawling down the hallway of a burning tenement as he was meeting the President in the Oval Office. Glenn changed America in ways that no one at the United States Fire Administration ever did, and probably no one ever will.  Others may expand it or improve it in the future, but Glenn made it happen..."