The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was established in 1979. FEMA' s mission is to focus Federal effort on preparedness for, mitigation of, response to, and recovery from emergencies encompassing the full range of natural and manmade disasters. FEMA's National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, includes the United States Fire Administration (USFA), its National Fire Academy (NFA), and the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). To achieve the USFA's legislated mandate (under Public Law 93-498, October 29, 1974), "to advance the professional development of fire service personnel and of other persons engaged in fire prevention and control activities," the U.S. Fire Administration has developed an effective program linkage with established fire training systems which exist at the State and local levels. The field courses of the USFA's National Fire Academy have been sponsored by the respective State fire training systems in every State. The USFA is proud to join with State and local fire agencies in providing educational opportunities to the members of the nation's fire services.