USFA Action Plan

As part of FEMA's commitment to revitalize the U.S. Fire Administration, a group of six fire service professionals met to assist the acting Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff in drafting an action plan for the USFA during the week of July 11-16, 1999. The Action Plan was based on the findings of a Blue Ribbon Panel of fire service leaders appointed by then FEMA Director James L. Witt (see below). The Action Plan Working Group reconvened on October 21-22, 1999, to review the numerous comments submitted in response to the Draft Action Plan. The result of these efforts is this document. This plan was a major milestone in setting the direction of the Federal fire programs into the next century.

The Action Plan Working Group brought vast experience and expansive knowledge about the fire service to writing this plan. USFA used this document as a guide in working with the staff to implement actions and programs. The Action Plan was dynamic in nature, and addressed numerous complex issues affected by Agency policies and budgetary constraints. The plan demonstrated FEMA's commitment to improve services and support to the Nation's fire services. All 178 recommendations within the Action Plan have been addressed by USFA.

Blue Ribbon Report

U.S. Fire Administration Review Completed; 34 Recommendations Included

FEMA Director James Lee Witt initiated the Blue Ribbon Panel's review of the U.S. Fire Administration in the Spring of 1998. The report included a review of the structure, mission and funding of the USFA, future policies, programmatic needs, course development and delivery, and the role of the USFA to reflect changes in the fire service. The report's 34 recommendations ranged from developing a more accurate mission statement for the National Fire Academy to increasing funding for research and development initiatives.

The panel included 13 members of the U.S. fire community and was chaired by Stephen P. Austin, representing the International Association of Arson Investigators. The co-chairman was Steven T. Edwards, Director of the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute.