By Karen Kennedy
The Carmel Fire Dept. recently has received a favorable recommendation in its final evaluation in the accreditation process by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. This evaluation was the final step in a rigorous certification process that has taken place throughout the course of several years. Criteria which must be met for accreditation include creating a five-year strategic plan which ensures that the department has:
- Identified hazards
- Ensured that response capabilities match those hazards, including measured response times
- Properly distributed equipment to handle hazards
- Completed disaster preparedness plans and training
Per Fire Chief Matthew Hoffman, the final accreditation will be granted in August, and the Carmel Fire Dept. will be one of only three fire agencies in the state of Indiana to hold this designation.