For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 14, 2018
The Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) was awarded one of the industry’s most prestigious honors at the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Fire-Rescue International Conference in Dallas. The department was accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for achieving the highest of standards within the fire service and recognizing the department as a leader in innovation and public service excellence.
“This accreditation is a major achievement for Montgomery County, its residents and businesses,” said Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett. “Our MCFRS is committed to providing the highest level of service to our community, as measured by the highest standards in the world.”
First accredited in 2007, MCFRS is one of nearly 250 agencies worldwide with this distinction and is only one of two internationally accredited combination fire and rescue departments in Maryland, along with Joint Base Andrews Fire Emergency Services. The accreditation model provides an extensive organizational review, self-assessment and evaluation process that enables fire and emergency service agencies to examine performance levels and compare them to industry best practices.
“Accreditation has and continues to improve the combined MCFRS as we provide outstanding service to the residents and guests of Montgomery County,” said MCFRS Chief Scott Goldstein. “MCFRS joins the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the County Police Department as County Public Safety agencies that are accredited; and this is only possible by the direct support of County Executive Isiah Leggett and the County Council.”
Departments are required to develop a community-driven strategic plan, standards of cover assessment and an extensive risk analysis of the community they serve. The CFAI model examines more than 250 performance indicators, of which 86 are vital core competency areas that are part of the assessment process. The assessment was validated by outside subject matter peer assessment experts from across the country. The accreditation process has been integrated into every aspect of MCFRS operations and recognizes the outstanding work and dedication of the men and women of the department.
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Release ID: 18-650