Bluffton, SC (August 7, 2025) — The Bluffton Township Fire District (BTFD) has once again earned accreditation as an Internationally Accredited Agency through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), reaffirming the district’s commitment to excellence, accountability and continuous improvement in service to the community.
Since first achieving accredited status on Oct. 27, 2020, BTFD has once again earned this distinguished recognition, joining just over 300 fire agencies worldwide that are recognized as Internationally Accredited Agencies for meeting the highest standards of excellence in the fire service. In South Carolina, fewer than 10 municipal or county fire agencies share this distinction, placing the organization among the top-tier fire agencies in the state.
“This reaccreditation represents the dedication our team brings to the job every day,” said interim Fire Chief Derek Church. “It reflects our continued effort to improve, to grow and to deliver the best possible service to the community we’re honored to protect.”
The CFAI accreditation is a voluntary and rigorous process that begins with a multi-year self-assessment in key areas such as governance, training, risk reduction, deployment and community engagement. It culminates in a week-long, on-site evaluation by a peer review team of fire service professionals, who examine documentation and confirm that the agency is actively meeting or exceeding its stated performance standards.
Battalion Chief Rhett Livingston, the fire district’s accreditation manager, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the achievement. “This is a team success. Every member of our department played a part in meeting these standards and setting the path for ongoing improvement.”
With reaccreditation now confirmed, BTFD underscores its proactive commitment to transparency, quality and the enhancement of public trust through professional excellence.
Learn more about Bluffton Township Fire District’s accreditation process and what it means for the community at https://blufftonfd.com/about/accreditation.
