South Metro Fire Rescue makes the grade
South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Chief Dan Qualman (right) proudly accepts the CFAI accreditation award with Mike Langello, the planning and analysiscoordinator for the fire authority who oversaw the accreditation process.
Information and photo provided by SMFR
The South Metro Fire Rescue Authority (SMFRA) was awarded accreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International at the commission’s spring meeting in Orlando, Florida in March. The accreditation is valid for five years.
“This is an enormous achievement,” said Chief Daniel Qualman. “We have been evaluated by our peers and found to have met or exceeded national standards.”
According to Qualman, the accreditation process gives SMFRA the opportunity to assess and evaluate its fire and emergency service, as well as provide for it a model for continuous improvement and a method of providing the highest level of service to the community it serves.
Accreditation takes an in-depth look at the organization’s governance and administration, essential resources, training and competency, and many other performance categories. SMFRA is one of four organizations in Colorado to achieve this designation and join the approximately 145 out of 30,000 that have become accredited.
To become accredited, the agency must go through a thorough self assessment process, including community risk analysis, standards of cover, and strategic planning. Then these documents are reviewed by a peer assessment team who conducts an on-site visit once the documents are approved. Finally, the peer assessment team submits a report on its recommendation for accreditation to the agency and the commission.
SMFRA covers an area approximately 176 square miles, serving many communities, including Castle Pines and portions of unincorporated Douglas County. Protection is provided to more than 198,000 citizens.
