Barry McKinnon Wins 2012 Ray Picard Award

Mr. Barry McKinnon was presented with the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s (CPSE’s) prestigious Ray Picard Award. Ray Picard, former Fire Chief in Huntington Beach, California, is recognized as one of the primary authors of the self-assessment and accreditation processes used today by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) of to evaluate fire and rescue agencies around the world.

Barry began his career as a volunteer in his hometown of Hillsburgh. In 1975 he became a full-time firefighter with the City of Mississauga. Barry joined the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) for the Province of Ontario in 1985 and left the organization in 2010.

During his tenure with the OFM Barry was extensively involved in the development of processes, models, guidelines and performance measurement systems that could be used by all fire departments in the Province of Ontario to assist them in providing services that meet their minimum obligations under governing legislation.

After more than 35 years in the Canadian municipal and provincial fire service, Barry served as the international at-large fire service representative on the CFAI from 2005 to 2010. He has continued to participate as a peer assessor and team leader. He also acts as a mentor to agencies going through the accreditation process. Barry was a contributor to the CFAI Standards of Cover 5th Edition and is currently a member of the teaching faculty for CFAI’s regional training programs, serving as a technical advisor with the CPSE Technical Advisor Program.

During his tenure on CFAI, he completed a total of 21 site visits as a peer assessor, serving as Team Leader on 12 of those. He continues to be the consummate team leader in the way he briefs his team members before the site visit, communicates clearly with the agency accreditation manager, conducts the site visit and prepares excellent peer assessment reports for CFAI Commissioner’s review. 

The Ray Picard Award recognizes an individual each year who exemplifies the ability, character, and dedication and leadership attributes Ray Picard provided in developing the self-assessment and accreditation processes for CFAI. This annual award recognizes individual superior leadership and outstanding contribution to the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and the accreditation of fire departments. The award criteria is specific and the winner must demonstrate significant accomplishments with the international fire accreditation process, individual initiative including helping others with the accreditation process, technical competency which may include serving as a peer assessor, team leader or instructor in the CFAI community, and leadership ability impacting their own agency, other agencies, and the industry at large.

www.publicsafetyexcellence.org.

 

The Center for Public Safety Excellence Inc. (CPSE) is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization established in 1996 to award accreditation to fire and emergency service agencies and to pursue scientific research and education in the public interest. In 2000 credentialing was developed to facilitate in the professional development and career planning for fire and emergency service personnel.

CPSE primary concentration is on its accreditation and credentialing models. The accreditation model identifies and maintains optimal levels of fire and emergency services for agencies. The credentialing model elevates and sustains the professional standards for those persons responsible for managing and delivering essential fire and emergency services.

CPSE conducts workshops and publishes materials specifically designed to achieve and maintain a continuous path for quality improvement for both fire and emergency service agencies and personnel. CPSE has a consulting service to help the fire and emergency service community meet the new public expectations to achieve and measure standards of effectiveness for the cost and methods of delivering essential fire and emergency services.

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