The Prescott Fire Department (PFD) was recommended for accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) following a several-month document review culminating in an onsite peer team review on December 15th-19th. This prestigious honor recognizes fire and emergency service agencies that meet or exceed a comprehensive set of professional standards. This recommendation reflects the department’s dedication to best practices and commitment to providing exceptional service to the Prescott community. The recommendation report will be reviewed for approval by the CFAI Commission in April, at which time the commission will make a determination on conferring accredited status.
Accreditation through the CFAI is a rigorous process that evaluates every aspect of a fire department’s operations. The process examines over 200 standards that range from emergency response protocols and performance, financial management, firefighter safety and training, organizational structure, training, and community relations.
The PFD was first awarded accredited status in 2020, and the department is required to re-apply for full status every five years. The process ensures that the Prescott Fire Department is adhering to the highest standards of safety and operational effectiveness standards. It also offers the public a clear indicator that their fire department is well-managed and operates with transparency. Maintaining accreditation requires continuous work as well as annual compliance reporting.
Mayor Phil Goode stated that this recommendation is especially meaningful in light of the recent passage of Proposal 478, which will establish a .95% sales tax dedicated to public safety beginning April 1, 2025. “With the recent passage of Proposition 478, this recommendation holds even greater significance for the community. The accreditation ensures the community that the investments made possible by the proposition will be responsibly applied towards the ultimate goal, which is improved emergency response services for the community.”
“Accreditation demonstrates to our community that we are continuously striving for excellence, are dedicated to transparency, and are on the right path to delivering quality service,” said Fire Chief Holger Durre. “This was a unique application as we submitted the nation’s first joint response document known as a Standards of Cover due to our close relationship with the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority. We are grateful to CAFMA leadership for collaborating in this manner.”
The accreditation process involves an extensive self-assessment, data collection, and internal review, followed by a site visit and evaluation by the CFAI. The department will begin to integrate many of the findings into its annual strategic plan update before meeting with the CFAI Commission hearings in April. To learn more about the department’s compliance and planning documentation, go to:
