2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
University of Maryland
MISSION
VISION
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute is and will continue to be a premier emergency services training and education organization by developing and delivering high-quality training. MFRI will constantly evolve to address developing trends and needs in emergency services training.
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) is the state’s comprehensive training and education system for all-hazard responses. The Institute plans, researches, develops, and delivers quality programs to prepare agencies and individuals to protect life, property, and the environment.
For 95 years, MFRI has led in advanced fire and rescue training.
Executive Director
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
As another fiscal year comes to a close, it is the ideal time to reflect on Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute’s activities and accomplishments and reaffirm our commitment to delivering the highest quality training to our state’s emergency services providers.
Over the past year, MFRI’s staff and instructors served 27,712 students, ensuring that emergency services personnel across the state are equipped to safeguard our communities.
Guided by the strategic plan established five years ago, we continue to advance our mission. Our talented faculty, staff, and instructors uphold MFRI’s standing as one of the premier emergency services training organizations — not only statewide, but nationally and internationally. Together with our subject matter experts, we plan, research, develop, revise, and deliver courses that meet the most current standards, ensuring that every program we offer reflects excellence in content, delivery, and outcomes.
MFRI staff extend their expertise serving on national, state, and local commissions, committees, and workgroups that are dedicated to improving firefighter and emergency response standards, processes, and procedures.
In FY25, MFRI secured four grants totaling more than $1 million and directly impacting the safety, training, and education of Maryland responders. These funds enabled us to upgrade and enhance our props and equipment, including the acquisition of a confined space simulator, a hazmat/tanker propane prop, and basic and advanced life-saving equipment.
All of our successes can be attributed to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and instructors. As we celebrate 95 years of service, MFRI remains rooted in its mission to provide state-of-the-art education that prepares those we train to skillfully and safely serve others.
Who We Are
State-of-the-Art Training
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute was founded in 1930 after the chief of the Annapolis Fire Company requested that the University of Maryland president establish a fire college to teach basic firefighting skills to Maryland volunteer fire companies.
An annual short course was initially established and 49 students attended. The success of the short course spurred demand for year-round fire training offered at various experience levels.
Today, 95 years later, MFRI trains 25,000-35,000 first responders annually at our headquarters in College Park and at our six regional training centers strategically located across Maryland.
MFRI’s course offerings are extensive and comprehensive, spanning the full spectrum of disciplines essential to today’s emergency services community.
From Advanced Life Support and Emergency Medical Services to Fire, Industrial, Safety, Management, and Rescue, our programs are designed to equip first responders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to perform at the highest level in any situation.
FY ‘25 By the numbers
the numbers
27,712 Students
For fiscal year 2025, our emergency services training and education programs achieved significant reach across a wide range of disciplines. Student course enrollment demonstrates our impact and the commitment of first responders. STUDENT
The scope of our course offerings reflects our dedication to delivering diverse, high-quality learning opportunities.
859,226
Student Hours
600+
Part-time field instructors
65
70,422
a
3,755
Total instructional hours MFRI Staff Course offerings
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
In addition to training Maryland’s first responders, our Special Programs section provides education, training, and consulting expertise to state, government, and commercial entities across the country and worldwide.
The following organizations entrusted MFRI with their training needs in FY25:
STATE AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Baltimore/Washington International Airport
Camp Pendleton
Fort Bliss
Fort Detrick
Fort Greely
Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
Maryland Department of Emergency Management
Maryland Department of Transportation
Maryland Transit Administration
Maryland Transportation Authority
Minot Air Force Base
National Institutes of Health
Naval District of Washington
Naval Facility Engineering Systems
New Jersey Air National Guard
Pearl Harbor Federal Fire Hawaii
Perry Point Veterans Administration
Sierra Army Depot
Smithsonian Institute
U.S. State Department
United States Secret Service
Warrenton Training Center, VA
Yokota Navy Pacific Fleet
COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS
BGE
City of Frederick Department of Public Works
Glen Meadows Retirement Community
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
Lane Construction
Northrop Grumman
Spec Rescue International
W.R. Grace & Co.
the numbers
5,497
1,062
1,279
2,624
384
260
Total Students Department of Defense Emergency Medical Services Industrial Open Enrollment Seminars
SEMINARS FOR EMERGING ISSUES
In response to the complex and rapidly changing issues faced by today’s first responders, MFRI offers periodic, topic-focused seminars designed to provide timely insights and practical solutions.
Throughout FY25, participants advanced their knowledge and response capabilities through the following seminars addressing some of the most critical and complex challenges :
• High-Rise Fire Operations
• Kitchen Fire Suppression
• Pipeline Emergencies
• Rail Car Incident Response
• Residential Fire Tactics for the Engine Company
• The Science of Vehicle Crashes for First Responders Proactively Addressing the Evolving Challenges of Emergency Services
New & Revised Courses
MFRI proactively develops and adapts training programs to keep pace with emerging issues, technological advances, and updated operational protocols.
NEW COURSES INTRODUCED IN 2025
• Fire Inspector
• First Responder Inspector
• Hazardous Materials Illicit Labs
• Hazardous Materials Victim Rescue and Recovery
• Heavy Vehicle Extrication
• Lithium-Ion Batteries
• Surface Water Rescue
REVISED COURSES
• Health and Safety Officer
• Incident Safety Officer
• Plans Examiner
• Public Fire and Life Safety Educator I
• Public Fire and Life Safety Educator II
• Swiftwater Rescue COURSES CURRENTLY IN REVISION
• Aerial Operator
• Fire Department Driver Operator
• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Marine Firefighter
• Mobile Water Supply
• Pumper Operator
• Structural Collapse
Long-Term Strategic Direction
MFRI is committed to anticipating the strategic and long-term evolution of emergency service delivery. Leveraging our expertise, we provide high-level instruction that prepares tomorrow’s first responders to meet the challenges of an ever-changing emergency landscape.
GRANT FUNDING 04
Securing Critical Funding to Strengthen First Responder Readiness
MFRI was awarded four new grants in FY2025 totaling $1 million—an investment that directly advances the safety, training, and education of first responders across Maryland. These funds empower MFRI to expand course offerings, enhance training technologies, and deliver specialized programs that meet the evolving needs of emergency personnel.
The following summary outlines the scope and impact of our recent grant funding:
ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT (AFG)
Awarded By: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The AFG program provides direct funding to fire departments, EMS organizations, and state fire training academies to protect the health and safety of first responders and the public. AFG funding supports MFRI’s mission by enabling the purchase of realistic training equipment and props, replacement of outdated PPE, simulators, air compressors, and other essential tools, directly enhancing the safety and readiness of students and instructors.
NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY/ FIRE TRAINING SYSTEMS GRANT (NFA/FTS)
Awarded By: DHS/FEMA
Through this program, MFRI offers National Fire Academy courses at regional training centers— reducing travel burdens for first responders while expanding access to consistent, high-quality professional education and training.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
GRANT (HMEP)
Awarded By: Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM)
MFRI delivers a statewide hazardous materials curriculum that equips first responders to safely mitigate emergencies. Classes are offered throughout the year at regional and local facilities.
Key course offerings include:
• FIRE 098
Personal Protective Equipment & Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
• FIRE 230
Airport Firefighter Program
• FIRE 232
Aircraft Rescue Firefighter Driver and Operations
• HM 105
Hazmat & Weapons of Mass Destruction Awareness
• HM 106
Hazmat & Weapons of Mass Destruction Operations
• HM 202
Hazmat & Weapons of Mass Destruction Technician
• HM 203
Hazmat & Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident Commander
• RES 217
Technical Rescue: Confined Space/Rescue Operations
HMEP funds cover instructor salaries, travel, and course materials.
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING (IMT) AND SUPPORTarded By: MDEM
MFRI facilitates IMT training and provides ongoing support to the Maryland Incident Management Team (MDIMT), a Type 3 All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT).
The MDIMT’s members deliver incident management and emergency operations center support to jurisdictions responding to complex incidents or managing large preplanned events. When requested, team members from local and state agencies deploy to assist with effective command, coordination, and continuity across multioperational period incidents and events.
Navigating change with strength, MFRI remains firmly committed to protecting life and property.
GRANT FUNDING
Empowers MFRI to equip first responders with the latest training tools, protective equipment, and life-saving skills
Grants are an impactful investment that strengthen the preparedness, safety, and expertise of Maryland’s first responders.
PROPS & EQUIPMENT
Up-to-date props and equipment help first responders train for their demanding, life-saving work. In FY25, MFRI purchased:
1 Confined Space Simulator
Replicates hazmat, restricted-access areas, enabling first responders to practice safe rescue operations in realisitic conditions
2 Confined Space Rescue Tripods
Provides a secure overhead anchor for fall protection and confined-space rescue operations
1 HazMat Tractor Trailer Propane Prop
Realistic, hands-on training for first responders to safely manage and mitigate propane-related hazardous materials incidents
24 Structural Firefighting PPE Sets
Designed to provide maximum protection, durability, and comfort for firefighters operating in extreme heat and hazardous conditions
3 Taylor’d Training Props
Multi-functional, training prop designed to enhance firefighter skills in forcible entry, ventilation, and other critical fireground operations
14 ALS Training Manikins
Realistic and safe props for practicing advanced airway-management techniques like intubation, ventilation, and surgical airway procedures
25 SCBA Gear Sets
Delivering critical respiratory protection, mobility, and reliability for first responders
12 MSA Gas Meters
Advanced, reliable gas detection technology that ensures first responders can quickly identify and respond to hazardous atmospheres
4
Durable, high-quality manikins designed for realistic water and fire rescue training scenarios
Confined Space & Swiftwater Rescue Training Manikins
1 Simulation Software for Cardiac Monitor Simulators
High-fidelity simulation software that transforms cardiac monitor training into an immersive, handson experience, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and emergency response skills
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTERS 06
Our regional facilities are strategically positioned to minimize travel for all firefighters across the state of Maryland.
In addition to our College Park headquarters, MFRI operates six regional training centers, providing fire, rescue, and EMS programs at convenient locations throughout the state.
LOWER EASTERN SHORE
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER
Princess Anne, MD
Serving Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester, and Somerset Counties
NORTH CENTRAL
REGIONAL OFFICE
Mount Airy, MD
Serving Carroll, Frederick, Howard, and Montgomery Counties
NORTH EAST REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER
Edgewood, MD
Serving Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore Counties and Baltimore City
SOUTHERN MARYLAND
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER
La Plata, MD
Serving Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s and Prince George’s Counties
UPPER EASTERN SHORE
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER
Centreville, MD
Serving Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties
WESTERN MARYLAND
REGIONAL TRAINING CENTER
Cresaptown, MD
Serving Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties
MFRI extends its reach beyond the classroom, delivering training at municipal and county centers across ten Maryland counties, while also bringing state-of-the-art mobile instruction directly to fire stations.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Strong partnerships across the state ensure first responders have necessary resources
Our partner organizations help fuel the MFRI mission as we work together to ensure first responders have the equipment, training, and the education necessary to protect life, property, and the environment.
Chesapeake Society of Fire and Rescue Instructors
Council of Academies
County and City EMS/Fire/Rescue Departments
International Association of Fire Chiefs
International Fire Services Accreditation Congress
Maryland Fire Chiefs Association
Maryland Fire/Rescue Education and Training Commission
Maryland Fire Service Personnel Qualifications Board
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems
Maryland Metro Chiefs
Maryland State Firefighters Association
Maryland State Police Aviation Command
Maryland Department of Emergency Management
Maryland Fire Chiefs Association
Maryland Fire Services Personnel Qualifications Board
Maryland State Firefighters Association
Maryland State Professional Firefighters
National Fire Academy
National ProBoard
North American Fire Training Directors
R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center
In the emergency services community, working together is not just important —it’s vital. Collaboration maximizes resources, enhances response capabilities, and ensures that when emergencies strike, our combined efforts save lives.
