NORTH AMERICAN FIRE TRAINING DIRECTORS

Organizational Membership

Organizational Membership in the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) is reserved for the recognized lead authority responsible for the administration and delivery of fire training and education within a state, province, or territory. Each jurisdiction is represented by a single individual—typically the director or designated alternative—who holds responsibility for overseeing entity-wide training programs. As such, NAFTD maintains one membership per state, province, or territory to ensure clear representation and a coordinated voice across North America.

In situations where multiple agencies or individuals within a jurisdiction seek membership, it is the responsibility of those applicants to determine a single representative for consideration. All applications are reviewed through a formal screening process conducted by a committee appointed by the President. This review is guided by criteria established by NAFTD to ensure that member organizations and representatives are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission and strategic objectives.

Eligibility for Organizational Membership is primarily based on the role and function of the applying agency. Priority is given to agencies that serve as the entity-wide delivery authority for fire training—whether established by statute, legislative authorization, or general recognition within the fire service. Consideration is also given to agencies that receive state, provincial, or territorial funding and for whom fire training delivery is a primary function, demonstrated through dedicated instructional staff and the provision of direct training programs across the jurisdiction. In cases where no single agency fully meets these criteria, consideration may extend to organizations responsible for course approval and development, firefighter certification, or those formally recognized by the jurisdiction’s fire service community.

The designated representative must be the duly appointed leader of the agency or organization, with responsibility for the overall administration of fire training and education. This includes oversight of daily operations, course scheduling, curriculum development and evaluation, policy interpretation, budget development, and personnel recommendations. Through this structure, NAFTD ensures that its membership is comprised of senior leaders who have both the authority and the operational insight to advance fire training systems and support collaboration across jurisdictions.

Associate Membership

Associate Membership in the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) is intended for individuals who serve in a secondary or supporting leadership role within a recognized member organization or agency, as defined under Article I of the NAFTD Constitution and Bylaws. This category allows key personnel—who contribute to the administration, coordination, or delivery of fire training and education—to engage with NAFTD alongside the primary organizational representative.

Applications for Associate Membership are reviewed by a committee appointed by the President, using criteria established by NAFTD to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and objectives. Associate Members participate as non-voting members, providing valuable operational insight and support while contributing to collaboration, information sharing, and the advancement of fire training systems across North America.

Affiliate Membership

Affiliate Membership in the North American Fire Training Directors (NAFTD) is intended for organizations that wish to be engaged with NAFTD but do not fall within the established categories of full membership. To qualify, an affiliate must demonstrate clear value to NAFTD members—whether through subject matter expertise, resources, or a direct contribution aligned with the organization’s mission of advancing fire service training and education. Applicants must be sponsored by a recognized state or provincial member organization, ensuring a meaningful connection to NAFTD’s core membership.

Applications for affiliate membership are reviewed by a committee appointed by the President, using criteria established by NAFTD to ensure consistency and relevance. This category may include training organizations that are not the official state or provincial fire academy, Fire Marshal offices (where they are not the recognized training authority), or other agencies that maintain an active working relationship with a member organization. Affiliate Members participate as non-voting members, providing support and collaboration without a governance role within the organization.