The training center in Emmitsburg consists of two components of FEMA, the National Fire Academy and the Emergency Management Institute. The academy trains fire and rescue-related personnel. The institute is the corporate training arm of FEMA.

In spite of widespread criticism of FEMA’s response to the Katrina disaster culminating with the on-site replacement of » full story

On Sept. 8, President George W. Bush proclaimed Sept. 16, 2005 as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The proclamation reads in part, “Hurricane Katrina was one of the worst natural disasters of our Nation’s history and has caused unimaginable devastation and heartbreak throughout the Gulf Coast Region. A vast coastline of towns and communities has been decimated. Many lives have been lost, and hundreds of thousands of our fellow Americans are suffering great hardship. To honor the memory of those who lost their lives, to provide comfort and strength to the families of the victims, and to help ease the burden of the survivors, I call upon all Americans to pray to Almighty God and to perform acts of service ... I also encourage all Americans to remember those who have suffered in the disaster by offering prayers and giving their hearts and homes for those who now, more than ever, need our compassion and our support.”