Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has once again proven its mettle, obtaining accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for the fourth time. This recognition is a testament to MDFR's unwavering commitment to the highest possible standards in fire and emergency services, ensuring the well-being of the residents and visitors of Miami-Dade County.
The accreditation, reaffirming MDFR's stature for another five years, was a unanimous decision made at the CFAI public hearing yesterday, where Assistant Fire Chief Jason Fernandez, Assistant Director Maria L. Reyes, Division Manager Jenna Lugonja, and Accreditation Manager Jessica Gonzalez represented the department. It's a significant honor; only a select 124 out of 30,000 fire departments nationwide can boast both the accredited status and ISO Class 1 rating, a distinction that places MDFR in the upper echelon of fire-rescue services in the United States, as per the county's press release.
"I’m incredibly proud of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for successfully achieving accreditation for the fourth time, a clear reflection of their continued commitment to excellence," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava told the official Miami-Dade government publication. The rigorous accreditation process, which includes a peer assessment team and on-site review, establishes Miami-Dade Fire Rescue as a department characterized by strategic-mindedness, organization, exceptional staffing, and training – all interconnected gears in the machinery of public safety.
Fire Chief Ray Jadallah lauded the department's achievement saying, “Earning this accreditation is a significant honor, and I am incredibly proud of every member of this department for their hard work and dedication to ensure accreditation standards are met and for their professionalism demonstrated throughout this entire process, particularly during the site visit.” In aligning with the CFAI’s best practices, MDFR showcases its dedication to serving the community with superior fire-rescue services grounded in continuous improvement practices through the accreditation process, according to the same press release.
Accreditation by the CFAI represents more than a badge of honor; it is an international recognition of performance excellence that public safety agencies strive to achieve. It demonstrates MDFR’s ability to engage in effective self-assessment, to embrace transparency and accountability, and to be validated impartially through a third-party. Contact MDFR’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-204-2526 for more in-depth information about their accreditation achievements and community initiatives.
