Summit Fire Department Gets International Accreditation

Summit's fire department this week, received the distinction of being accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. It's another feather in the cap of the department.

The fire accreditation commission is part of a non-profit organization that seeks to increase the efficiency and standards of public safety services around the world. One of the criteria for accreditation is a thorough evaluation. "A comprehensive review of all department programs and procedures was conducted. Firefighters conducted detailed risk assessments of all the major commercial and institutional buildings in the City and a standard of response coverage document was developed that outlines the performance goals of the department for all types of emergency responses," fire department Deputy Chief Richard DeGroot said in a press release.

The department's achievement will be recognized at a special Summit Common Council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7:30p.m.

Next week also marks Fire Prevention Week in Summit. To mark the occasion the fire department will be handing out firefighter trading cards.  According to a report in the Independent Press, several firefighters will have their faces on trading cards, along with fire engines and safety tips written on the back. 

The report says the trading card program is an initiative by the Summit Firefighters’ Mutual Benevolent Association Local #54.  Cards will be available at the .