The Lynchburg Fire Department was notified on Monday, February 22 by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) that it has achieved full international accreditation. The Commission issued its approval during its virtual commissioner’s meeting.
The accreditation process includes a review of 12 areas of the department including: standards of cover, response/benchmarks and strategies, paramedics/first aid, strategic plan, public education, fire prevention, fire investigation, apparatus maintenance, personnel training, human resources, safety equipment and external relations.
In addition to reviewing extensive written documentation, the process included an onsite peer team visit to verify and validate the documents.
Of the more than 27,000 fire departments, there are only 284 accredited agencies in the United States and Canada and 15 accredited departments in Virginia (counting Lynchburg).
“The men and women of the Lynchburg Fire Department are exceptional public employees,” said Mayor MaryJane Dolan. “This designation is another testament to their professionalism, dedication, and excellence.”
Interim City Manager Reid Wodicka echoed Mayor Dolan and said Lynchburg residents can be very proud of the Fire Department and confident in the excellent level of service they provide to the community. “Most importantly, citizens should take comfort in knowing that should they need the services of our Fire Department, whether for fire suppression, medical services, rescue, etc., the men and women who wear the Fire Department uniform are highly trained, committed and ready to serve.”
“Many members of the department contributed to this achievement, and are dedicated and committed to this process and our community,” said Chief Gregory Wormser. “It is my honor and privilege to lead an exceptional group of men and women, and this achievement is a testament to their commitment in the pursuit of excellence and resiliency.”
The CFAI has 11 members that represent a cross-section of fire and emergency service including fire departments, city and county management, labor, standards development organizations and the U.S. Department of Defense. The CFAI holds public hearings at the Center for Public Safety Excellence Conference each spring and at the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire-Rescue International Conference each summer to review agencies applying for accredited status.
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