Staff of Learning Resource Center at National Fire Academy Fired

EMMITSBURG, MD -- A world-reknowned resource on the National Fire Academy campus has been stripped of its staff.

Librarians were fired and only one person is operating the Learning Resource Center, sources told Firehouse.com this week.

Upon hearing the action, Dr. Burt Clark said he was disappointed with the decision that sidelined very dedicated people.

"It's the largest fire and emergency management library in the world," he said, adding that the staff assisted not only students and faculty, but researchers and others around the world," he said.

The extensive library included research projects from engineers and scientists as well as papers written by graduates of National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer programs. Students taking various courses often used the center to learn about a myriad of subjects.

Last week, instructors were told to make an appointment if they brought classes in to conduct research. But that's a moot point now that the courses have been cancelled.

"it was just an unbelievable resource," Clark, a retired NFA instructor said, adding that the staff helped him throughout the years.

Another retired instructor, Mary Marchone also voiced her disappointment with the center's demise. 

"This saddens me. This will have a tremendous impact on the fire service."

As the Trump administration officials fired employees of other agencies, Marchone said she had a 'terrible' feeling the National Fire Academy and programs were in the cross hairs.

The cancellation of the courses and the closure of the learning center won't be taken lightly, she said, adding that the fire service will come togther to revive them.