Every five years, the Fargo Fire Department participates in a rigorous process to maintain its accreditation status. The process is occurring this week with a visit from representatives of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). During the site visit, four CFAI peer assessors from fire departments in Virginia, Illinois, Colorado and California are reviewing the Fargo Fire Department’s practices and interviewing various Fire and City personnel. Their visit marks the fourth time the Fire Department has been reviewed for accreditation.
“The accreditation process demonstrates that the Fargo Fire Department is continually looking for ways to improve its emergency services,” Fire Chief Steve Dirksen said. “CFAI assists our agency in staying strategic-minded, data-driven and community-oriented.”
The Fargo Fire Department first achieved accreditation in 2010. Due to the department’s efforts to extend its accreditation, several policies, procedures and planning documents have been enhanced over the past 15 years, allowing The City of Fargo to advance from Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 3 to Class 1. This classification has increased community safety and led to reduced insurance costs for Fargo residents. It’s also a rare accomplishment: Fargo is one of 124 fire departments that are internationally accredited and hold an ISO Class 1 designation.