Fire Department Accreditation

At a glance

What: The Fire Department is proposing to pursue accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
Where it stands: Workshop update on September 22, 2026; no vote.
Next: Community-driven strategic plan, including virtual sessions with residents where Council members may take part.

Chief Freeburg and Chief Ellis presented a departmental overview, engagement and favorability results, and a conceptual timeline for a community-driven strategic plan.
Mayor Weiers said the decision not to seek accreditation was made about ten years earlier. Freeburg did not know why; accreditation takes 18 months to two years of work and auditing plus administrative staff time.
It is a gap analysis against policies and procedures. No quantifiable financial benefit, but it builds trust through transparency. One-time application, annual maintenance for five years, then a site visit and reevaluation in year five.
Turner asked whether the nine recommendations of the 2024 Community Risk Assessment were being worked; Freeburg said the majority were completed, while others (new fire stations, more personnel) remain in budget and capital planning.
Vice Mayor Malnar asked about cost. Freeburg said accreditation does not control Council decisions; self-assessment would bring recommendations every two to three years, mostly through strategic planning.
Council members can take part in virtual sessions with residents, coordinated through the City Clerk. Conchas offered to promote it at G.A.I.N. nights and district meetings. Guzman praised the department's fiscal year 2026 annual report.

Update on pursuing CFAI accreditation. Questions on cost, renewal and the 2024 risk assessment. No vote.