MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland has accepted three members of the Meridian Township Fire Department into their prestigious program. Fire Chief Fred Cowper mentioned the academy offers the highest level of education in the country.

EMS/Training Chief Bill Priese will attend the “Effective Leadership Skills for Fire and EMS Organizations” two-week training, Fire Fighter/Paramedic Tavis Millerov will attend the “Fire/Arson and Explosion Investigation” two-week training, and Captain Mark Vroman has been invited to participate in the “Executive Fire Officer Program” which is a two-week training each year for four years.

“It is an honor to have three members of the Fire Department selected for national training. Our department will definitely make use of the education received to help better our community,” said Fire Chief Fred Cowper. “Having attended the academy myself, I have great appreciation for the prestigious and intense training offered at the national level.”

Any person with substantial involvement in fire prevention and control, emergency medical services, fire-related emergency management activities, or allied professions is eligible to apply for NFA courses. Applicants must meet the specific selection criteria and prerequisite criteria for each course. Selection also is based on the impact the applicant will have on the quality of fire protection in the local community, the potential for use of the skills acquired, and equitable and representative distribution from the total fire service.