NN Fire Department Achieves Reaccreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International

NEWPORT NEWS FIRE DEPARTMENT ACHIEVES REACCREDITATION FROM THE COMMISSION ON FIRE ACCREDITATION INTERNATIONAL

Reaffirms Commitment to Delivering Superior Emergency Response

The Newport News Fire Department (NNFD) is proud to announce its official reaccreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a recognition that underscores the department's commitment to excellence in public safety, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

"As City Manager, I am incredibly proud of the Newport News Fire Department's achievement in reaccreditation by the CFAI," said City Manager Alan K. Archer. "This accomplishment not only reflects the department's unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest standards of safety and service, but it also highlights the strong partnership between our city leadership and the NNFD. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, and this reaccreditation demonstrates the department's ability to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of our city."

The CFAI accreditation process begins with a self-assessment where departments review their operations, including staffing, training, equipment, and community risks. After gathering data and ensuring compliance with standards, the department applies for review. Peer assessors conduct an on-site evaluation to verify standards, and based on their findings, the CFAI Commission decides on accreditation. Departments must undergo reaccreditation every five years, demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making, which ultimately enhances public safety and operational excellence.

The CFAI Commission, consisting of Fire Chiefs from departments of various sizes, international fire service leaders, City Managers, representatives from insurance organizations, the Department of Defense (DOD), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), ensures that the accreditation process is rigorous, objective, and aligned with best practices in the fire service industry.

Through this comprehensive evaluation, the NNFD has demonstrated that it is meeting the highest standards of performance, efficiency, and service delivery. The reaccreditation process also provides valuable data-driven insights that allow the department to assess critical areas such as personnel, equipment, and resources, ensuring well-informed recommendations can be made to city leadership. This process supports the department's ability to continue meeting the needs of a growing and evolving community while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

"Achieving this reaccreditation is a testament to our collective commitment to the highest standards of service and public safety," said Wesley Rogers, Chief of the Newport News Fire Department. "This accomplishment is not just about recognition; it's about our ongoing commitment to improvement and ensuring that we are always ready to meet the needs of our community."

Looking toward the future, the NNFD is reaffirming its commitment to accreditation, emphasizing the importance of full department-wide participation in the process. From our newest recruits to our Chief Officers, accreditation will be an ongoing, collaborative effort that involves every member of the NNFD. This dedication to continuous improvement will enhance both operational effectiveness and public safety for the Newport News community.

Newport News' reaccreditation by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, combined with its ISO Class 1 rating, places the department among eight fire departments in Virginia to achieve both prestigious standards. Newport News Fire Department is one of 123 departments across the United States that have achieved both accreditations.