Ray Picard Award

Nominations are now closed

In 2000, the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) established the Ray Picard Award. We designed this annual award to recognize Chief Ray Picard’s vision in pioneering quality improvement for the fire and emergency service. Chief Picard was one of the earliest champions of the self-assessment and accreditation process that has led to a culture and paradigm shift within the fire service.

This annual award will be presented to an individual who exemplifies the ability, character, dedication, leadership, and visionary attributes Chief Picard exhibited. The individual should personify Chief Picard’s contributions and exceptional leadership to the CFAI and the accreditation of fire service organizations.

Learn about other CPSE awards or contact CPSE if you have any questions.

Previous Recipients

2024 – Christopher Swift, FO	2012 – Barry McKinnon
2023 – Gwen Nieuwdorp	2011 – Mike Brown
2022 – Norma Jean Valdez	2010 – Ken Helgerson
2021 – Christian Jacobs, CEMSO	2009 – Mark Puknaitis, CFO
2020 – Thomas Thompson, CFO	2008 – No Award
2019 – Mike Hall, FO	2007 – Gary Tokle
2018 – Brad Brown, FO	2006 – Gary Curmode, CFO
2017 – Rob Ugaste, CFO	2005 – Dennis Gage
2016 – No Award	2004 – Ronny Coleman, CFO
2015 – Brian Dean, CFO	2003 – Ray Flowers
2014 – Ernst Piercy, CFO	2002 – Martel Thompson
2013 – Cliff Jones, CFO	2001 – Bill Killen, CFO and Randy Bruegman, CFO