Changes on Tap at National Fire Academy

Times are changing, and so are things at the National Fire Academy.

"We're hearing chiefs say they can't be without their people for two weeks. So, we're conducting an experiment," said NFA Superintendent Denis Onieal.

Certain courses have been modified to reduce the on-campus time required. But Onieal said that doesn't mean the content has changed.

"There are certain things that people don't need to be here to learn. And, there are things that will require them to be here in Emmitsburg."

Students will be given assignments or documents to read before they get to class. Onieal said many institutions, including the NFA, are taking advantage of the Internet to provide distance learning.

The NFA has received $400,000 toward boosting Internet-based education, and possibly getting an additional $800,000.

Onieal said it's important for his agency to be customer-friendly, and believes the change may actually allow more courses to be added to the schedule. The modification will in no way affect the content or the credits received.

USFA Deputy Director Charlie Dickinson agreed: "The waiting list for some classes may not be as long. And, we're not cutting classes here. We'll probably be adding them."

Both Onieal and Dickinson said networking is a vital part of the learning experience.

"Sharing how they handle different situations is just as important as what they read on a subject," Dickinson said. "We're not doing away with that culture at all. Everyone understands..."

Since 1975, more than 1.4 million people have received NFA training through various means.

Dickinson said be believes the NFA and USFA is going in the direction where it will make a difference. "Putting us in the preparedness directorate was such a smart move. It's where I think we can really make a difference and explore new things..."

And, the deputy director said emergency services personnel aren't the only ones who need to be prepared. "Every person in America has got to be self-sufficient. They should have provisions to take care of themselves for 72 hours."

Dickinson said fire and rescue people should be setting the example by making sure that their families would be OK if they were called to work extra shifts.