This virtual cache is located on the grounds of a government run firefighter and emergency response training center. During times when there may be heightened security concerns, the grounds may be closed.
This cache is NOT recommended for non-US citizens. While there is technically a process for foreign nationals to gain access to the grounds, it is likely not something one would undertake simply for the purposes of the geocache:
Attention: Foreign National Visitors to the NETC Campus – All foreign nationals must be vetted through the FEMA Office of the Chief Security Officer Administrative and Special Security Branch prior to being permitted access to NETC. Foreign nationals needing assistance in gaining access to the NETC should contact Merril Sollenberger, NETC Special Events Coordinator at merril.sollenberger@fema.dhs.gov two months prior to your anticipated visit.
To be admitted to the grounds to find the cache you will need to present REAL ID compliant identification and closely adhere to the following directions, directly from the NETC website:
The National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD, the home of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial, is open for Public Visitors to Campus Memorials. All visitors will park in the lot adjacent to Building V1 where you will be security screened. Restrooms are also available in Building V1 for your convenience. Visitors are not permitted to enter NETC buildings and should follow the “marked” route on the map provided by campus security for access to the National Memorial.
I will do my best to keep the page updated with any changes as they occur, but in this age of COVID and ever changing security concerns, it would be wise to confirm the current campus status directly from the source, immediately prior to your planned visit.
To claim a find for this cache, please email me the name in section 1 of the memorial walkway that is in the top right hand corner as you face the memorial. Don't post the name here, even if encrypted. Logs containing this info will be deleted, as will logs that have not sent the requested info to verify the find.
Please be sure to read the information in the small bulletin board near the memorial. If the flags are at half staff the name of the firefighter/firefighters who they are honoring will be on the board. I never knew this memorial was so close to my home. There is nothing physical to be gained at this cache, but there are many people to honor.