The Pinehurst Fire Department has earned reaccreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), continuing its place among a select group of fire and emergency service agencies worldwide recognized for their commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in public safety.

The Commission formally approved Pinehurst's reaccreditation during its August hearings in the Chicago area. The department first achieved CFAI accreditation in 2016 and successfully earned reaccreditation in 2021, making 2026 its third consecutive accreditation cycle.

CFAI accreditation is a distinction held by relatively few fire and emergency service agencies. According to the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), just 334 agencies are currently accredited, collectively protecting approximately 14% of the U.S. population.

"Maintaining accreditation requires an ongoing commitment to evaluating how we operate, identifying opportunities to improve and ensuring we are providing the highest level of service possible to our community," said Pinehurst Fire Chief Derrick Clouston. "This achievement belongs to every member of our department. Their professionalism, dedication and commitment to the people we serve are what make accomplishments like this possible."

CFAI accreditation is a voluntary process that provides fire and emergency service agencies with a comprehensive framework for evaluating their performance. The process includes an extensive self-assessment, peer review of agency documentation, an onsite verification and validation visit, and a public hearing before the 13-member Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

During the public hearing, the peer assessment team presents its findings and recommendations to the Commission. Following questions and comments, commissioners vote to accredit, defer or deny an agency's accreditation status.

The Pinehurst Fire Department completed its onsite peer assessment earlier this year, receiving a recommendation for reaccreditation before appearing before the Commission in August.

The department's reaccreditation effort included Deputy Chief Stephen Cox; Battalion Chiefs Adam Coles, Jennifer Black and Chris King; Assistant Fire Marshal Bryan Lyczkowski; Fire and Life Safety Educator Donna Page; Finance Director Dana Van Nostrand; and Human Resources Director Angie Kantor.

"This recognition is a tremendous accomplishment for the Pinehurst Fire Department and for the Village as a whole," said Village Manager Doug Willardson. "Accreditation requires an organization to examine itself closely and demonstrate that its practices, planning and performance meet an exceptionally high standard. I am proud of Chief Clouston, his leadership team and every member of the department for their commitment to serving Pinehurst."

Chief Clouston and Deputy Chief Cox represented Pinehurst at the Commission hearing. CFAI Chair Otto Huber and Peer Assessor Team Leader Allan Fletcher joined them for the formal presentation recognizing the department's reaccreditation.

CFAI accreditation is valid for five years, with accredited agencies required to successfully complete annual compliance reporting throughout the accreditation period.

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International is part of the Center for Public Safety Excellence. CFAI's accreditation model uses self-assessment and independent peer review to encourage continuous improvement, accountability and organizational excellence within fire and emergency service agencies.