| The bill specifies that the Maine Fire Training and Education |
| Program of the Maine Technical College System shall provide a |
| centralized training resource center for firefighters of the |
| State. Specifically, the Maine Fire Training and Education |
| Program shall ensure that more firefighters are trained in local |
| communities statewide. Training must be offered annually and |
| must be free of charge. The program must increase grant funds |
| available to local communities to support construction of |
| specialized training facilities where the State's firefighters |
| can practice life-saving skills; provide firefighters with the |
| opportunity for fire science education and leadership education |
| through available distance learning technologies, including |
| interactive television and the Internet; ensure that local fire |
| departments have current training and education materials and |
| equipment to prepare members for fires and other community |
| emergencies; provide a one-stop resource center for firefighters |
| and citizens; and support the development of fire and emergency |
| leaders throughout the State. |
