March 12, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Asst. to the Fire Chief
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2411, page: 675-2137

Shreveport Fire Communications to Undergo National Accreditation Process

A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will visit the Shreveport Fire Department Communications Division . . .

from April 5, 2003 through April 9, 2003. The team is composed of law enforcement and fire/rescue practitioners from similar, but out-of-state agencies. They will examine all aspects of the Fire Communications Division policy, procedures, management, operations, and support services by reviewing written materials, conducting interviews, and visiting offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed and verified.

The Shreveport Fire Department Communications Division must comply with 199 out of 214 standards in order to gain accredited status. According to Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran, "Accreditation is an award that represents professionalism and excellence. Our Fire Communications Officers can take pride in knowing that they represent the very best in Public Safety Communications."