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Ray Picard Award

Nominations are now closed

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

Procedures:

  • Nominations will open on October 16, 2023.

Questions should be addressed to Debbie Sobotka, CPSE COO.

Previous Recipients

2024 – Christopher Swift, FO 2012 – Barry McKinnon
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