Training, Resources and Data Exchange

The Training Resources and Data Exchange (TRADE) activity is a regionally-based network designed to foster the exchange of fire-related training information and resources. TRADE was created in 1984 to address the difficulties that state and local fire training systems were experiencing in disseminating quality-training programs effectively.

The objectives of TRADE are to:

• Identify fire, rescue and Emergency Medical Services training needs at the regional level.
• Identify and exchange training programs and resources within regions and, whenever possible, replicate those resources.
• Identify national trends with an impact on fire-related training and education.
• Provide to the National Fire Academy an annual assessment of fire training resource needs within the region, together with recommendations as to how TRADE can better support federal, state and local fire training systems.

The TRADE network consists of the directors of the 50 State Fire Service Training Agencies and senior executive training officers from the nation's largest fire departments. The essential components of the TRADE system are 10 regional networks that provide a mechanism for the exchange of resources and materials. Regional TRADE co-chairs, one selected from a State Fire Training Agency and the other from a metropolitan fire department, serve as the points of contact for networking activities.

For more information, contact the TRADE Program Manager, Mike McCabe, at 800- 238-3358, ext. 1894, or email the TRADE network.

TRADENET Email Subscription

The TRADENET email list allows fire service members to share and exchange training information. Subscribe to TRADENET

If you have a question or information you would like to share in TRADENET, please email it and your contact information to TRADE. Your comment/question will be posted to TRADENET. The U.S. Fire Administration reserves the right to edit content submitted.