In a Special Meeting of the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors today, May 14, 2010, a peer assessment team of experienced fire professionals from across the country announced that the District will be recommended for international accreditation in August. The Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) will make the final decision in Chicago later this year, after the peer assessment team leader and District representatives present a candidacy report. Based on the report and presentation, the Commission will then grant, deny, or defer the accreditation.
During today’s meeting, team leader Chief Wayne Senter from South Kitsap Fire and Rescue in Washington stated, “Accreditation is not a destination, it is a journey. Today is a milestone that started at San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District many years ago.”
Accreditation is a comprehensive assessment and evaluation model for fire and emergency service organizations. The accreditation process helps to determine community risks and fire safety needs, evaluate the performance of the agency, and provides a method for continuous improvement. The Commission requires accredited agencies to continuously evolve and improve over time in order to maintain their accreditation.
After the meeting today, Fire Chief Richard Price stated, “I am very pleased with the compliments the District and its members received today from the peer assessment team. Nearly every member of this District participated in the accreditation process – some in small ways, and some in very large ways. This agency is committed to continuous improvement and increasing the public value of District services. I’m confident the District will achieve CFAI accredited agency status in Chicago.”
If the Commission accepts the recommendation for accreditation during its August meeting, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District will be the first fire agency in Contra Costa County and the sixth in California to achieve this honor.
For additional background information and media files visit the Fire Chief’s Accreditation Blog at http://blog.firedepartment.org/firechief.
