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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Firefighters from the Ottumwa Fire Department continue to be some of the most well trained in all of southeast Iowa.

One big reason for that, is that the department continues to send firefighters to the National Fire Academy in Maryland.

The academy, operated by FEMA, gives courses to firefighters from all 50 states on a variety of topics, ranging from HAZ-MAT situations to EMS classes.

For one firefighter KTVO spoke with Friday, it is an honor to attend the academy.  

“Well, I was really excited that I did get in on my first attempt at applying to get in, that doesn’t happen very often. I am going to take this opportunity to learn as much as I can, while I am there. I really do appreciate the opportunity to go there, and learn. I am going to hopefully learn some things that I can bring to the department and further our EMS and our quality management; and how we do and how we rank and see how we are doing things in the community and if we are meeting our needs,” said Firefighter Grant Gaumer.

Also attending the fire academy in August, Ottumwa Fire Chief Tony Miller and Nathan West.