This week’s Extra Alarm insights come to us from Chief Marc Bashoor, who addresses the crucial need for a unified and elevated national fire service structure. Bashoor argues against the closure of the National Fire Academy (NFA), emphasizing its critical role in providing consistent, advanced training across all states. He also critiques the fragmented federal oversight of various fire and emergency services, and proposes the creation of a cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services to consolidate and streamline these efforts. Bashoor calls for the fire service community to challenge the status quo, advocate for structural changes, and demonstrate true leadership.