Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has shared that the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE) Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) has unanimously granted them accreditation status for the fourth time.
This update ensures MDFR’s accreditation for the next fire years.
Assistant Fire Chief Jason Fernandez, Assistant Director Maria L. Reyes, Division Manager Jenna Lugonja, and Accreditation Manager Jessica Gonzalez represented MDFR at the CFAI public hearing held on August 5 2025.
The 13-member Commission unanimously approved the favorable recommendation presented by the Peer Assessment Team who visited MDFR to conduct an on-site review of our agency earlier this year.
Out of 30,000 fire departments in the nation, MDFR is 1 of 124 to achieve both accredited status and ISO Class 1 rating.
Accredited Agency status is an international recognition of achievement awarded to those public safety agencies that meet the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program.
With this announcement, MDFR has revealed that it remains the largest accredited fire-rescue department in the Southeast and the second largest in the US.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava commented: “I’m incredibly proud of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue for successfully achieving accreditation for the fourth time, a clear reflection of their continued commitment to excellence.
“Time and again, they demonstrate a dedication to growth, innovation and delivering exceptional service to our community.”
Fire Chief Ray Jadallah shared: “Earning this accreditation is a significant honor, and I am incredibly proud of every member of this department for their hard work and dedication to ensure accreditation standards are met and for their professionalism demonstrated throughout this entire process, particularly during the site visit.
“The residents and visitors of Miami-Dade County deserve top-tier fire-rescue services and our dedicated firefighters and MDFR staff work tirelessly each day to provide exactly that.
“Achieving this prestigious recognition is a reflection of our steadfast commitment to the community we proudly serve.”
According to MDFR, this fourth accreditation reaffirms that it employs the most current and state-of-the-art best practices in reducing fire and non-fire risks, thereby delivering the highest level and quality of fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and other services to the residents and visitors of Miami-Dade County.
MDFR first achieved accreditation in 2010 and again in 2015 and 2020. MDFR is committed to implementing continuous improvement practices through the accreditation process.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has shared that the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. Commission on Fire Accreditation International has unanimously granted them accreditation status for the fourth time.
