Ray Picard Award

Advancing Accreditation Excellence: Division Chief Matthew Caward (ret), CFO, CTO, FO, Receives the Ray Picard Award

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) is proud to recognize retired Division Chief Matthew Caward (ret), CFO, CTO, FO, of the Grand Island Fire Department (Nebraska), as a recipient of the Ray Picard Award, honoring individuals whose leadership, character, and dedication embody the enduring values of accreditation and continuous improvement within the fire and emergency service.

Leadership Through Accreditation

Chief Caward’s impact on accreditation began during his tenure with the Bernalillo County Fire Department, New Mexico, where he served as a company officer and later a Battalion Commander during the agency’s first successful Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation. During Bernalillo County Fire Department’s first successful accreditation, he served as the department’s only credentialed Fire Officer. He was a strong advocate and encouraged and supported the leadership of Chief Lardy and the many members of the various committees that worked tirelessly toward accreditation. After retiring, Chief Caward joined the Grand Island Fire Department (Nebraska) as a Division Chief and subsequently retired from that position.

Embodying the Legacy of Ray Picard

Chief Caward exemplifies the qualities of the Ray Picard Award through ethical leadership and a forward-looking approach to the fire service. His advocacy for honest self-assessment and professional accountability has helped transform accreditation into a shared organizational value rather than an administrative task.

He has consistently emphasized that accreditation is not a single achievement but a living process requiring sustained engagement. By leading internal workshops and making himself accessible to staff at all levels, he has helped integrate continuous improvement practices into everyday operations.

Championing Accreditation Across the Profession

Chief Caward’s influence extended well beyond his own department. He actively mentored agencies across New Mexico and nationally, encouraging departments to pursue CFAI accreditation as a framework for improving service delivery and strengthening public trust. Through instructional roles with the National Fire Academy and the New Mexico State Fire Academy, he integrated accreditation principles into executive and officer development programs, reinforcing the connection between leadership accountability and community outcomes.

A Lasting Commitment to Excellence

Chief Caward’s leadership reflects the spirit of the Ray Picard Award, advancing accreditation as a catalyst for growth, cultivating leaders through self-assessment, and shaping a future-focused fire service grounded in accountability and continuous improvement.

CPSE congratulates retired Division Chief Matthew Caward on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his continued dedication to advancing excellence through accreditation.

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:

• Accomplishments (within the accreditation process)
• Initiative (including helping others with the accreditation process)
• Technical competence (including serving as a peer assessor, team leader, or instructor)
• Leadership ability (including spreading the word)
• Additional achievements and contributions

Previous Recipients