The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) has recently appointed new members to its key commissions.
Dr. Joshua Smith, Ph.D., CFO, Assistant to the General President for Training, Education, and Grants Administration at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), has been selected as the Labor Representative on the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPC).
Additionally, James Mitchell and Dave Coker have been named as labor representatives on the Commission of Fire Accreditation International (CFAI).
Dr. Joshua Smith, with over two decades of experience in emergency services and adult education, has been appointed as a labor representative on the CPC.
His role aims to represent labor interests and influence the policy shaping the certification process within the fire service industry.
“Credentialing is a vital aspect of the fire service, and the Commission on Professional Credentialing stands out as the industry leader,” said Smith. “Representing labor in this capacity is a true honor for me.”
Thomas Breyer, IAFF’s Assistant to the General President for Technical Assistance & Information Resources, emphasized Smith’s unique position and necessity on the commission: “Josh is the only labor representative on the CPC commission, and his presence is necessary for advocating for labor interests and shaping the policies that govern the certification process.”
James Mitchell, President of Carmel, IN Local 4444 and Dave Coker, President of Greensboro, N.C. Local 947, will serve on the CFAI.
Their appointments aim to bolster labor’s perspective in the accreditation processes.
Mitchell noted the importance of labor involvement in accreditation: “As an IAFF appointee to the commission representing departments with a population under 100,000, I look forward to bringing my labor perspective and experience to the commission and sharing how labor involvement in the process plays a significant role in a department’s efforts of self-assessment and continuous improvement.”
Coker expressed his enthusiasm and the critical role of labor in accreditation discussions: “I’m exceptionally excited and humbled to be appointed to the CPSE Accreditation Board.
It is critically important that labor have a voice in the Accreditation process and hearings.
“We cannot have a serious discussion about continual improvement without the inclusion of labor.”
