Applications are now open for the Communications Training Academy (CTA). The program will take place Monday, April 29 – Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, Md.

It is essential that any organization – whether a local affiliate, a fire department, or your favorite sports franchise – build its bench. Success demands a team of skilled people with the tools to win. This weeklong, hands-on training program is vital to building our bench at the local, state, and international levels.

The CTA provides a unique opportunity to expand your communications skills and will give you the tools to advance the cause of fire fighters effectively. These skills will help you build the fire fighter brand, win campaigns, and provide exceptional public relations and communications support for your local. You will also receive training in the newest technology to best advance our mission.

Because of the intensive, interactive nature of the CTA, the program is limited to 50 participants. Accordingly, we ask that locals recommend only one applicant per year.

Attendees are only responsible for transportation costs to/from Maryland. The IAFF pays for all attendees' housing, food, and training materials.

The CTA has trained hundreds of members over the years, helping us build our bench so locals can win campaigns, promote political action, and communicate winning messages.

The application deadline is Monday, January 8, 2024.

Steps for applying to the CTA:

1. Complete this application including answering all the questions. 
2. Once you have submitted your application, please send a letter of recommendation from your Local President to Aidan Nolte at anolte@iaff.org with the subject line, "2024 CTA".