05/27/2026
Last week, Apex Fire Department staff hosted four (4) fire service professionals from across the country as part of AFD’s accreditation process through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
During the visit, the assessors conducted interviews with AFD personnel, representatives from other Town departments, and community stakeholders who work closely with and support the department. Following their review, the peer team developed 22 recommendations intended to help AFD continue to grow and improve—work that staff has already begun addressing.
The peer team also recommended that AFD move forward to appear before the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a 13-member commission representing fire departments, local government leadership, labor organizations, standards development agencies, and the federal government. The commission will ultimately vote on AFD becoming an internationally accredited agency in August 2026.
What does this mean for you? It means the Apex Fire Department is committed to meeting the highest standards in public safety and emergency services. Accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) is a rigorous process that evaluates everything from emergency response times and training to leadership, community risk reduction, strategic planning, and overall service delivery.
This milestone reflects the dedication of the AFD personnel and their drive to set the standard through innovation, continual improvement, and unwavering commitment to the safety and growth of our staff and community.