City of Columbia Fire Department Columbia Fire Department

201 Orr Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2019

CONTACT: Assistant Fire Chief Brad Fraizer
573.874.7557
[email protected]
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Columbia Fire Department receives international accreditation on March 12

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

The Columbia Fire Department was awarded certification as an "Accredited Agency" by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) on Tuesday, March 12. Fire service professionals from around the country traveled to Columbia in November to inspect facilities, review procedures and interview personnel.


"This is the result of an effort that involved our entire organization. I'm proud of our team for working towards this goal for many years. Earning this accreditation is a huge honor and recognizes the hard work we do each and every day to protect our community and keep our residents safe," Columbia Fire Chief Randy White said.


Fewer than one percent of fire departments nationwide are accredited. Columbia Fire Department is now one of only 258 fire departments in the world that have achieved the CFAI honor. Only 10 percent of the United States population is served by an accredited fire department.  


"I'm very proud of our Fire Department and staff members who worked diligently to earn this honor. This achievement shows their commitment to continuous quality improvement and dedication to the community to provide the highest level of service," Interim City Manager John Glascock said.

CFAI has 11 members that represent a cross-section of fire and emergency services including fire departments, city and county management, labor, standards development organizations and the U.S. Department of Defense. CFAI holds public hearings at the Center for Public Safety Excellence Conference each spring and at the International Association of Fire Chief's Fire-Rescue International each summer to review agencies.


City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

-30-