EBS STAFF
In an April 1 press release, the City of Bozeman shared that the Bozeman Fire Department achieved Accredited Agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, marking a historic milestone for the department and the city.
This rigorous accreditation process places Bozeman Fire among an elite group of fire service agencies committed to excellence, continuous improvement and the highest standards of public safety, according to the press release.
“This accreditation is more than just an award—it’s a reflection of our commitment to the people of Bozeman,” Bozeman Fire Chief and International Association of Fire Chiefs President Josh Waldo stated in the release. “We voluntarily put ourselves through this in-depth evaluation because we believe in accountability and excellence. Earning this recognition shows that we are not only meeting national standards, but constantly working to exceed them.”
CFAI accreditation is a comprehensive process that requires fire departments to undergo a detailed self-assessment, submit to external peer review and participate in a public hearing before the CFAI commission. Fewer than 15% of fire departments in the United States have earned this status.
Battalion Chief of Support Services James Short, who played a key role in the accreditation process, emphasized the value of this achievement. “This was a department-wide effort that challenged us to assess every aspect of our operations—from emergency response times to community risk reduction,” Short stated. “Becoming accredited isn’t just about where we stand today; it’s about how we grow and improve in the years ahead.”
For Bozeman, a rapidly growing city with increasing public safety needs, accreditation demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining high-quality emergency services.
“This is a major accomplishment for Bozeman Fire and our entire community,” Interim City Manager and former Bozeman Fire Chief Chuck Winn stated. “Accreditation means our fire department is operating at the highest level, using best practices, and constantly striving to improve. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our firefighters and leadership team.”
With this accreditation, Bozeman Fire joins a select group of agencies committed to data-driven decision-making and continuous service enhancements. The department will use CFAI’s framework to further refine operations, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and better serve the people of Bozeman.
