Leading the fire and emergency service to excellence
Nominations are now closed
The recipient of the 2024 Ray Picard Award is Station Chief Christopher Swift, FO, Joint Base Charleston Fire & Emergency Services, South Carolina. Chief Swift demonstrates a strong commitment to the Accreditation process. As the agency’s Accreditation Manager, and a CFAI Peer Assessor, he regularly trains personnel from within his own department as well as other departments to help them obtain accredited status. He regularly goes above and beyond his duties, being the “first to work and the last to leave,” according to his nomination package, leading by example and focusing on encouraging others to challenge themselves. He is constantly seeking innovation and improvement within his department and mentors others in their path towards Credentialing. He also works closely with neighboring agencies in an effort to improve safety for the community. Such an example was that he was able to develop a mutual aid response package with other departments that has resulted in closer working relationships and the tangible outcome of multiple life and property saves.
Congratulations, Chief Swift!
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.
This annual award recognizes 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.
Eligibility:
Any Peer Assessor, individual member of an accredited agency, former CFAI or CPC Commissioner, and former CPSE board members are eligible to compete for this award. CPSE staff, contractors, and current members of the CPSE board, CPC, or CFAI are ineligible to compete for this award.
Criteria:
Individuals will be assessed for their significant achievements or contributions to the assessment and accreditation process in the following areas:
Procedures:
Questions should be addressed to Debbie Sobotka, CPSE COO.
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 |
2012 – Barry McKinnon |