March 19, 2026
The Yocha Dehe Fire Department has once again achieved Accredited Agency status through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, a prestigious program administered by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Following a hearing held on March 11, the Commission unanimously approved the department’s application for reaccreditation, extending its accredited status for an additional five-year period.
According to a press release, the Yocha Dehe Fire Department remains the only Native American fire department in the United States to hold international accreditation, reflecting the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s enduring commitment to excellence, accountability and nationally recognized best practices in fire and emergency services.
The CFAI accreditation process is a voluntary and rigorous program designed to help fire and emergency service agencies continuously evaluate and improve service delivery. Agencies undergo an extensive self-assessment across operational performance, administrative effectiveness and community risk reduction efforts, followed by a comprehensive peer review conducted by fire service professionals from across the country.
Currently, just 334 agencies worldwide hold CFAI accreditation, collectively protecting approximately 14% of the United States population and 17% of the Canadian population.
Through the accreditation process, the department evaluates emergency response performance, staffing models, training effectiveness and community risk reduction strategies to ensure residents receive timely, reliable and high-quality emergency services.
“This reaccreditation is a powerful reflection of the professionalism, dedication and teamwork of our entire department,” said Fire Chief Shawn Kinney. “It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to serving the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation with integrity, accountability and continuous improvement. I am incredibly proud of our firefighters, staff and leadership who worked tirelessly throughout this process to uphold the highest standards of service.”
Chairman Anthony Roberts of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation emphasized the broader significance of the achievement for the Tribe and community.
“The Yocha Dehe Fire Department’s reaccreditation reflects our Nation’s long-standing commitment to stewardship, safety and caring for future generations,” Roberts said. “This recognition affirms that our fire and emergency services meet the highest national standards, ensuring our citizens, employees and surrounding communities receive exceptional care and protection.”
Deputy Fire Chief Brian Lynch, who serves as the department’s Accreditation Manager, highlighted the collaborative nature of the process.
“This achievement was truly a team effort,” Lynch said. “From department personnel to the Yocha Dehe Fire Commission and Tribal Council, the support and engagement across the Nation were essential to our success. Accreditation strengthens our organization, improves our services and reinforces the trust our community places in us every day.”
The reaccreditation process included a comprehensive review of department policies, training programs, operational procedures and community outreach initiatives. Beyond recognition, the process serves as a continuous improvement model, guiding strategic planning and performance measurement to enhance service delivery now and into the future.
The Yocha Dehe Fire Department has proudly maintained accredited status since 2010, demonstrating more than a decade of excellence and accountability in fire and emergency services. Looking ahead, the department will continue using the accreditation framework to guide strategic planning, training and community engagement initiatives.
The Yocha Dehe Fire Department will retain its Accredited Agency status through 2031, continuing its mission to provide innovative, professional and community-focused emergency services in service to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
For more information about the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and the accreditation process, visit www.cpse.org.