LITTLE ROCK (Aug. 3, 2017) – Less than 1 percent of fire departments nationwide have been accredited by the Commission of Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). The Little Rock Fire Department has joined the ranks of this elite few after a unanimous CFAI vote on July 26.

“Accredited Agency” status is held by 238 fire departments in the nation. The National Fire Department Registry (maintained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency) lists 27,212 fire departments in the United States and notes that about 2,000 others are unregistered.

The Little Rock Fire Department underwent the five-year process of becoming an accredited agency. The accreditation model set forth by the Center for Public Safety Excellence is a continuous self-assessment and improvement model weighted against proven industry best standards and practices.

During the five-year period of self-assessment LRFD underwent many changes in practices, policies, guidelines, and technology upgrades to improve every aspect of service delivered to the City of Little Rock. As an accredited agency, standards and expectations are now higher and continuous improvement will be required to maintain the accreditation.

The Little Rock Fire Department is committed to the citizenry and visitors of Little Rock and to being a leader in the fire service industry. In 2016, the department received the status of “Class One” fire department from the Insurance Service Office. This class rating is the highest a fire department can receive.

“The Little Rock Fire Department is truly nationally recognized and in rare company,” said City Manager Bruce T. Moore. “Only 55 fire departments in the country are both accredited and ISO Class One departments. I couldn’t be prouder of Fire Chief Gregory Summers and the outstanding fire fighters and staff at LRFD.”