Photo: Otto Huber, CFAI Commission Chair, presents CAFMA with its accreditation award during the agency’s hearing on March 10, 2026. Left to Right: Randy Fifield, Peer Assessment Team, Corey Bowles, Peer Assessment Team, Bill Hickey, Prescott Fire Department Operations Division Chief, Darrell Tirpak, CAFMA Fire Marshal, Dustin Parra, CAFMA Deputy Chief of Operations and Accreditation Manager, Gilbert Davidson, Town of Prescott Valley Town Manager, Otto Huber, CFAI Commission Chair, John Feddema, CAFMA Fire Chief, Holger Durre, Prescott Fire Department Fire Chief, Lee Barnes, CAFMA Assistant Chief of Operations, Justin Butler, Local 3066 CAFMA Chapter Vice President, Hannah Hickman, Prescott Fire Department Administrative Coordinator and Accreditation Manager, Byron Kennedy, Peer Assessment Team, James Denna, Peer Assessment Team.
The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) has earned Accredited Agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a five-year designation recognizing the agency meets the highest standards for planning, performance, and accountability. CAFMA is now one of more than 300 agencies worldwide to hold Internationally Accredited status with CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE). The accreditation was conferred following a review by the 15-member CFAI commission on March 10, 2026.
As part of the accreditation process, a CFAI peer assessment team conducted a comprehensive site visit, meeting with staff, reviewing operations, and evaluating CAFMA’s self-assessment against national performance standards. This independent review confirmed high standards in emergency operations, strategic planning, training, administration, and community risk reduction.
John Feddema, CAFMA Fire Chief, said, “Earning Accredited Agency status reflects our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our community. Every review, every assessment, and every day on the job is an opportunity to raise our standards. The CFAI process has also helps us look ahead, guiding future planning while identifying opportunities to strengthen the services we provide.”
A notable highlight of the process was CAFMA’s recent collaboration with the Prescott Fire Department to jointly develop shared Standards of Cover and a Community Risk Assessment, marking the first time in the nation that two agencies worked together on these critical planning documents and showcasing regional cooperation and innovation in public safety.
Feddema added, “I want to thank the Prescott Fire Department, the Town of Prescott Valley, and all of our incredible CAFMA staff for their dedication over the past two years. Their perseverance and teamwork made this accreditation possible and ensure our community continues to receive the highest level of emergency services.”
CAFMA’s accreditation is valid for five years. During this time, the agency will submit Annual Compliance Reports (ACRs) to show that it continues to meet the high standards required, culminating in a full re-accreditation review at the end of the term.
