by Terri Wiebold

South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) recently joined a select group of fire agencies around the world that have gained accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). SMFR Chief, Robert Rinne, spoke at the Castle Pines North Master Association Board of Director’s meeting on April 20 about his Department’s accomplishments. “It has been a lengthy process of assessment and evaluation,” said Chief Rinne, “and I am proud of our entire organization.”

The program grants accreditation to fire and emergency service agencies upon the successful completion of an in-depth self assessment and an on-site evaluation.  SMFR first studied the level of services it provides and the efficiency with which it provides them. Next, CFAI sent a team of peer reviewers to SMFR to critique and validate that performance. Areas of study ranged from administrative issues such as budgeting, accounting and insurance to OSHA guidelines and Hazardous Materials inspections.

The CFAI self-assessment process has been under development for over 15 years and has involved hundreds of fire service professionals. Only 113 other agencies worldwide have received this honor, three of which are in Colorado. For more information about the accreditation process, visit www.cfainet.org. Congratulations to the men and women of South Metro Fire Rescue for this outstanding accomplishment!