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Phoenix-area fire departments earn accreditation

Commitment to training, mutual aid among the reasons the departments shine

By Jackee Coe
The Republic

PHOENIX — The Phoenix area is a hotbed for fire departments that have earned a rare international accreditation that indicates they are striving for the highest standards and are continuously improving.

The Apache Junction, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Sun City West and Tempe fire departments have been accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, a program at the non-profit Center for Public Safety Excellence. Agencies in Tucson, Prescott Valley and Yuma also are accredited, and three more, including Avondale and Sierra Vista, are working toward accreditation.

Ted Steinbrecher, accreditation commission program manager, called the Valley a “center of excellence” because of the large number of accredited agencies, a big benefit for residents.

Full story: Pheonix-area fire departments’ high standards earn accredidation