The Utah Fire and Rescue Academy (UFRA) was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant of $329,770 earlier this month to purchase a second mobile command center trailer. Both trailers will be used for emergency responders to train with other agencies optimizing their response operations, helping fulfill Utah Valley University’s mission of serving the community through exceptional education.

“When the grant was announced, I was thrilled and proud knowing that this money will go towards a new mobile command center that will help UFRA meet the training needs of the state,” said Jolene Chamberlain, assistant director for planning for UFRA state grants. “Demand for emergency responder training is high, and a second command center will help fill that demand.”

Dalene Rowley, instructional designer for the College of Health and Public Service at UVU, who drafted the grant with Chamberlain, said, “The new mobile command center is one way UFRA and UVU’s College of Health and Public Service continue their mission to serve our greater community, supporting those who put their lives on the line.” 

Until this year, UFRA operated under an annual contract, created by the legislature, with UVU that allowed them to receive funding to provide fire training services. In July, that relationship was codified, making UFRA a part of UVU’s educational system. Working in conjunction with UVU, UFRA provides training to 100% of firefighters in Utah who are affiliated with a department and other state agencies.

To learn more, visit the UFRA website.

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About Utah Fire and Rescue Academy

The mission of the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy is to train, certify, and support the Utah fire service at the highest level possible. The organization focuses on providing fire and emergency service training and professional certification. Presently, UFRA trains 100% of firefighters in the state who are affiliated with a department along with other state agencies.