Kingsport Fire Department achieves sixth consecutive CFAI accreditation

KINGSPORT — The Kingsport Fire Department received its sixth consecutive accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, according to a news release. The international accreditation was announced at the CFAI Summer Hearings, where KFD was among the agencies recognized for successfully achieving accreditation or reaccreditation. The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen recognized the department for this achievement at its Sept. 1 meeting. "Accreditation is much more than a designation or a plaque on the wall," Kingsport Fire Chief Jerry DeBerry said in the release. "It is a commitment to our community that we will continually evaluate what we do, identify opportunities for improvement, and hold ourselves accountable to nationally and internationally recognized best practices. This achievement belongs to every member of the Kingsport Fire Department who works every day to provide exceptional service to our citizens." The release states KFD first achieved CFAI accreditation in 2000, making the department one of the first 40 departments in the world and the first in Tennessee to earn the designation. The department has maintained its internationally accredited status through subsequent accreditation cycles. CFAI's accreditation process includes comprehensive evaluation of a fire and emergency service organization. It examines the department's operations, management, community risk, emergency response capabilities, training, strategic planning, performance measurement and commitment to continuous organizational improvement. "Achieving a sixth accreditation demonstrates that excellence isn't something we pursue every five years — it is part of the culture of the Kingsport Fire Department," KFD Deputy Chief Terry Arnold said in the release. "Our firefighters and staff understand that the standards we establish today must continue to evolve as the needs of our community change." KFD, according to the release, currently operates eight engine companies and two ladder truck companies from eight fire stations — providing 24-hour emergency response to the community. The department responds to fires, medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, technical rescues, motor vehicle crashes and other emergencies — as well as provides community risk reduction services like fire and injury prevention, public education, fire investigations and fire code enforcement. The department also maintains an ISO Class 2 rating. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire organization," KFD Accreditation Coordinator Assistant Chief Jessie Bishop said in the release. "From the firefighters answering emergency calls, to our training, fire prevention, communications, administration and support personnel, everyone contributes to the quality of service we provide. Most importantly, this accreditation is about the people we serve. Our goal is simple: to be ready when our community needs us and to continually find ways to serve them better."