Louisiana State Fire Marshal takes over training academy from LSU
State fire marshal’s office assumes control of 44-acre facility after nearly 60 years
BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has officially taken over the Fire and Emergency Training Academy from LSU after nearly 60 years under the university’s control.
The transition gives fire departments across the state direct access, according to Superintendent of the Municipal Fire Program at FETA Charles Hudson.
“All the fire departments in Louisiana have a voice now,” Hudson said.
Upgrades and expansion underway
Superintendent of Industrial Program at FETA Tracy Normand said the change makes it easier to secure grant funding for facility improvements.
“When it comes to grants and construction and projects like that, it’s a lot easier when you own the property,” explained Normand. “We’re in need of a facelift obviously, but we also need to invest in infrastructure and new props.”
The state legislature has already allocated $5 million for upgrades and improvements to the facility. The new multipurpose fire tower was paid for by a $500,000 grant. Hudson said officials are also adding dormitories that will double trainee capacity from 30 to 60.
“It’s going to give us more availability for firefighters to come here,” Hudson said.
Training fees waived
Recruit academy fees, previously around $5,000 per firefighter, have been waived by the state fire marshal. Hudson said the change removes a financial barrier for smaller departments.
“Departments really can’t handle a lot of because of the cost, so now these programs don’t cost a local fire department throughout the state any funding to come get educated,” Hudson said.
The academy trains thousands of firefighters from across Louisiana and beyond each year in disciplines including firefighting, hazardous materials response, and search and rescue.
“They come here and can do it all. We can train them in every aspect,” Normand said.
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