Poudre Fire Authority earned the status of “Accredited Agency” this morning by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). After almost two years of diligence and dedication to achieve this success, our customers now have independent third-party proof of our commitment to provide the highest quality services to our community. PFA is now one of less than 250 departments to achieve this benchmark.
“This is a proud moment for the PFA and our community we serve as we strive to be an evidence-based, outcome oriented fire-rescue agency,” said Fire Chief Tom DeMint.
Benefits attained through the process prior to accreditation status:
• Total response time reduction
• Improved system coverage
• Minimum certification standards
• Emergency Medical Services contract
• Strategic work plan.
The accreditation process is a comprehensive self-assessment that questions 256 operational practices within ten performance categories. Peer reviewers then compare these areas to best practices throughout the industry. The entire process allows a department to better determine community risks and safety needs, evaluates their performance and institutes a method for continuous organizational improvement.
The process also provides for the development of planning documents, including short-term action and long-term strategic plans; important tools in the budgeting process and a basis for justifying departmental programs and services.