MFRD becomes first fire department in state to earn simultaneous CFAI accreditation and ISO Class 1

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) becomes the first fire department in the state of Tennessee to simultaneous hold Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation and Insurance Service Office (ISO) Class 1 rating. MFRD earned the latest accredited agency status following a unanimous vote of the CFAI during a virtual hearing on Monday, July 19.

“We have learned so much about our department, our city, and how to better protect our community through the continuous improvement model of accreditation,” said Chief Mark Foulks. “I am so proud of all of the personnel in our department and I am especially proud of the accreditation team and their dedication to achieving accreditation.”

“The prestigious accreditation is a great accomplishment for Murfreesboro Fire Rescue and is a reflection of the department’s commitment to make our city a safe and enjoyable place to live,” said Mayor Shane McFarland. “MFRD is a model for other agencies and it’s a direct result of the tireless effort and hard work by the men and women who make up the department.”

MFRD began the accreditation process in 2016 and has completed a strategic plan, community risk assessment, standards or cover, and a self-assessment manual. An intensive peer-review process involved a peer team coming to Murfreesboro to analyze and validate MFRD’s compliance with more than 10 categories, 45 criterion, 252 performance indicators, of which, 86 are core competencies that cover the span of fire and emergency service operations. The peer team unanimously recommended MFRD to advance to the CFAI for accreditation.

The CFAI accreditation is valid for five years.

MFRD currently holds a top rating of Class 1/1X from the ISO, becoming one of only eight fire departments in the state of Tennessee and 411 in the United States to earn such a rating.