Ray Picard Award

2023 Ray Picard Award Recipient

The recipient of the 2023 CPSE Ray Picard Award is Quality Assurance and Accreditation Strategist Gwen Nieuwdorp with the Calgary Fire Department in Alberta, Canada, a CFAI accredited agency that is heading into its sixth accreditation cycle.

As a member of the Calgary Fire Department – the first accredited agency in Canada – for over 34 years, Ms. Nieuwdorp has been involved with accreditation from the beginning until the present.  Her passion for this work is described by her colleagues as “contagious” and she is recognized as the department’s subject matter expert for “all aspects of accreditation” and continues to lead the team as they embrace continuous improvement. As a long-time member of the department, she exemplifies the values of CFD – Pride, Teamwork, Respect and Professionalism.  She also carries this commitment with her peers in Canada and other countries, serving as a champion of the accreditation process and as a mentor to numerous departments. Gwen Nieuwdorp exemplifies the spirit of Ray Picard in all that she does for both Calgary Fire Department and beyond.

Congratulations, Ms. Nieuwdorp!

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