Randy R. Bruegman Agency Innovation Award

Meridian Fire Department Receives the 2026 Randy R. Bruegman Agency Innovation Award for Innovative Fall Prevention Initiative

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) continues to highlight accredited agencies that demonstrate innovation, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Meridian Fire Department’s Together We Stand – A Community Approach to Fall Prevention exemplifies how data-informed strategies and strong partnerships can enhance community safety while improving operational efficiency.

Launched in early 2024, the initiative addresses fall-related emergencies among older adults through the “5 E’s” of Community Risk Reduction – Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Economic Incentives, and Emergency Response. Using 911 and GIS data, Meridian Fire identified high-risk populations and implemented focused interventions, including educational outreach, home safety assessments, and facility-based training. The program was developed with modest costs and leveraged existing personnel and community resources.

Early results demonstrate significant impact. Two assisted living facilities experienced reductions exceeding 50 percent in fall and lift-assist calls, while citywide incidents declined during the initial implementation period. More than 500 residents and staff participated in educational sessions, and collaborative partnerships with healthcare and aging-service organizations strengthened prevention efforts across the community.

The initiative aligns closely with Meridian Fire Department’s strategic priorities and accreditation goals by emphasizing proactive risk reduction, performance measurement, and interagency collaboration. By shifting focus from reactive response to prevention, Together We Stand supports safer aging in place while reducing demand on emergency services.

Meridian Fire Department is now working to expand the program regionally through a replication toolkit, offering other agencies a scalable model for community-based fall prevention. Initiatives such as Together We Stand reflect the profession’s continued evolution toward prevention-focused service delivery and demonstrate how accredited agencies are advancing excellence through innovation.

Congratulations to the Meridian Fire Department on receiving the 2026 Randy R. Bruegman Agency Innovation Award!