GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI (March 8, 2023) – The Gulfport Fire Department has earned Accredited Agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) by meeting the criteria established through the organization’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. The Gulfport Fire Department is one of 309 agencies in the world to achieve Internationally Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence, Inc. (CPSE)

The Gulfport Fire Department is one of two departments in Mississippi to accomplish this achievement. Columbus, MS, first acquired its accreditation in 2014.

“We used this process proactively to plan for the agency’s future and identify areas where we can improve our services,” said Chief Kelley. “This accreditation recognizes our commitment to excellence and the highest quality of services to our community.”

The Gulfport Fire Department is one of only two agencies in the state with a Class 2 fire rating from the Mississippi State Rating Bureau, having been the first to achieve this rating in 2018.

“I am incredibly proud of the men and women of the Gulfport Fire Department for achieving international accreditation, a testament to their unwavering dedication to providing the highest level of service and protection to our city,” said Mayor Billy Hewes.