Salem Fire Receives International Accreditation

Watch Mayor Taylor place the first official accreditation sticker on a Salem Fire vehicle.

Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - Salem's Fire Department has risen to one of the highest occasions professionally; receiving official recognition from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, for meeting the criteria established through the group's self-assessment and accreditation program.

The CFAI is dedicated to assisting the fire and emergency service agencies throughout the world in achieving excellence through self-assessment and accreditation in order to provide continuous quality improvement and the enhancement of service delivery to their communities.

Salem Mayor Janet Taylor and other dignitaries attended the event to celebrate the unique honor, shared with only four other agencies in Oregon; Clackamas Fire District #1, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, Eugene, and Jackson County #3.

Salem Fire Chief Mike Knode says the accreditation is a result of continual improvement, and underscores the drive of an agency that never rests.

For Salem firefighters in Oregon's capitol city, it is all about constant vigilance and a dedication to their community.