Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute, University of Maryland

06/05/2026

Special Operations legend Steve Hardesty readied MFRI’s water rescue trailer for training this week, adding more PPE, line-launching systems, snorkels, masks, and gloves.

Due to the unique hazards associated with water rescue, MFRI provides all PPE for this program to ensure continuity and safety.

Baltimore City Fire Department is next up for water-rescue training on the Susquehanna River

06/03/2026

Read the latest research from UL Research Institute's Fire Safety Research Institute on railcars and e-mobility devices.

As e-mobility devices have become a staple of urban commuting, high-profile fire incidents in residential and commercial buildings have raised a new question: what do those same risks look like on rail transit?

UL Research Institutes’ Fire Safety Research Institute conducted experiments aboard a passenger railcar to examine how thermal-runaway-initiated e-mobility fires may impact passenger safety and evacuation conditions.

Read the Recommendations to Improve Passenger Railcar Safety During Electric Micromobility Device Fires report to learn more:

Report examines how thermal runaway-initiated e-mobility fires may impact passenger safety and evacuation conditions.

06/02/2026

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat exhaustion. Stay ahead of the heat by hydrating early, rotating crews, and monitoring each other for signs of overheating.

For more information, contact the MFRI QA/QI Manager at [email protected]

06/01/2026

Half of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department's 32-member recruit class recently put everything they've learned into practice at MFRI, applying their decision-making, teamwork, and firefighting skills in realistic conditions.

05/21/2026

Improve decision-making and patient care on the crash scene through this informative seminar on the science of vehicle crashes.

This course is free for Maryland Emergency Services providers.

Register today: https://www.mfri.org/course/seminars/SEM/152/S001/2027

05/19/2026

Identifying learning challenges early prevents failure. Tutor sessions, remediation labs, and instructor coaching promote success and strengthen Maryland’s emergency services workforce.

For more information, contact MFRI QA/QI Manager Mike McAdams: [email protected]

05/18/2026

05/15/2026

EMS students: Scene safety is your first treatment. Whether in simulation or live training, size up your surroundings and report hazards immediately.

For more information, contact MFRI QA/QI Manager Mike McAdams at: [email protected]

05/14/2026

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Schaefer as Regional Coordinator for our Southern Maryland Regional Training Center in LaPlata.

Mike has a long-standing connection to MFRI, having logged more than 1,000 hours of instruction over the past 25 years. He is also an active member of the College Park Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George’s County.

Mike recently retired from the Bureau of Alcohol, To***co, Fi****ms, and Explosives (ATF) where he served as a Supervisory Branch Chief. He also retired from the U.S. Navy and the United States Navy Reserve as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

In addition to significant managerial experience, Mike has an affinity for compliance with laws, rules, regulations, policies, and the safety of personnel under his leadership. He also has expertise in coordinating combined operations across local, state, and federal agencies.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus and holds a host of other fire-service related certifications.

He lives in the Gambrills area of Anne Arundel County.

05/12/2026

Quality instruction considers different learning styles. Clear objectives, visual aids, and hands-on practice help all students succeed.

For more information, contact MFRI QA/QI Manager Mike McAdams: [email protected]