Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 2.B
Meeting Date: February 25, 2026
From: Michael A. Contreras, Fire Chief
Title: 2025 Annual Compliance Report (ACR) for Cathedral City Fire & EMS RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file the 2025 Annual Compliance Report (ACR) for Cathedral City Fire & EMS, presented in fulfillment of the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) requirement to report annual compliance findings to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
BACKGROUND:
Between January 6 and January 9, 2025, Cathedral City Fire & EMS (CCFE) successfully completed its initial accreditation site visit conducted by a peer assessment team representing the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI). On February 19, 2025, the peer assessment team issued its final Accreditation Report, unanimously recommending Cathedral City Fire & EMS for accredited agency status.
Fire service accreditation is an internationally recognized distinction confirming that an agency meets established professional criteria and performance standards. Achieving accreditation reflects a significant organizational commitment to transparency, continuous quality improvement, comprehensive community risk assessment, strategic planning, and operational excellence. With this accomplishment, Cathedral City Fire & EMS joined a select group of 311 accredited fire agencies worldwide.
To maintain accredited status, CFAI requires accredited agencies to submit an Annual Compliance Report (ACR) and remit one-fifth of the current applicant agency fee each year.
The ACR documents the agency’s continued compliance with core competencies and performance indicators, outlines progress made on peer assessment team recommendations, and provides updated performance data along with ongoing continuous Quality improvement.
DISCUSSION:
Agency Performance and Service Delivery
In calendar year 2025, Cathedral City Fire & EMS (CCFE) responded to 8,075 emergency incidents. These responses included 6,278 emergency medical service (EMS) calls, of which 4,963 resulted in patient transport to area hospitals; 1,250 community service calls; and 178 fire incidents, during which an estimated $2,744,445 in property value was preserved. In addition, CCFE conducted more than 1,536 fire prevention inspections.
Beyond emergency response activities, the department maintained active community engagement through public events such as the Annual Open House, Safety Fair, and Career Day. CCFE also delivered a range of public safety education programs, including car seat safety, fall prevention, and disaster preparedness, and supported youth development through Cadet and Teen Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) programs.
Annual Compliance Report Contents
The ACR documents the agency's continued compliance with CFAI's accreditation model and includes:
• Updated agency demographics and information
• Verification of compliance with all core competencies • Performance data evaluation including response times and service outcomes • Progress reports on all 22 peer assessment team recommendations • Continuous quality improvement actions
• Required exhibits documenting changes and improvements FISCAL IMPACT:
The annual compliance fee required to maintain accredited agency status is one-fifth ($1,840) of the current Commission on Professional Credentialing Excellence (CPSE) applicant agency fee of $9,200. This expense is included within the Fire Department’s approved operating budget, and no additional appropriation is required.
Maintaining accreditation strengthens the agency’s eligibility for grant funding opportunities, as many grant programs require elements that are standard requirements to accredited agencies. In addition, accreditation has contributed to a favorable Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating for the City, which may result in reduced insurance premiums for residents and businesses.
Submission of the Annual Compliance Report (ACR) ensures that Cathedral City Fire & EMS retains its designation as an internationally accredited fire agency and the only accredited agency in the Coachella Valley, further positioning the City as a regional leader in fire and emergency medical services excellence.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
GOAL A – Serve the Community with Pride and Dedication
GOAL D - Innovation
ATTACHMENTS:
2025 Accreditation Annual Compliance Report