A. The governing authority of any parish or the governing authorities of any group of parishes are hereby authorized and empowered, upon their own initiative, to form and create a fire and emergency training services district as a political subdivision of the state.

            B. The purpose of a fire and emergency training services district, hereinafter sometimes referred to as “district” and the governing bodies created pursuant to this Chapter shall be to maintain and operate a well-equipped educational and training institution or facility to teach and train fire fighting and emergency services personnel. The production of well-qualified personnel will serve only to enhance the state’s fire protection and emergency services provision efforts, which in turn shall benefit all of the citizens of this state.

            C. In providing training for the fire service, the district shall coordinate such efforts with the office of state fire marshal Fire and Emergency Training Academy to prevent duplication of efforts and duplication of cost, and to ensure standardization in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. 40:1541 et seq. In addition, all aspects of the training, including but not limited to personnel, participants, programs, and courses, shall be certified by and through the Fire and Emergency Training Academy of the office of state fire marshal.

            Acts 2001, No. 188, §1, eff. May 31, 2001; Acts 2022, No. 231, §3.