Local and state first responders are mandated to attend and successfully complete a variety of National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) training programs. These programs vary in duration from 2-5 days, and although usually tuition-free, require replacement staffing for the attendees.
These are valuable programs which many jurisdictions are minimizing due to budgetary constraints. The ultimate price is the reduced ability to properly respond to large scale (Type 3, 2, and 1) disasters and events.
The federal government needs to urgently fund these reimbursements.