On December 18, 2025, the Center for Public Safety Excellence Center for Innovation (CFI) convened representatives from our Industry Advisory Council (IAC). The IAC is comprised of nonprofit and for-profit organizations within the fire and emergency service and local government that provide input on the CFI’s initiatives and gain access to exclusive networking opportunities.

At the meeting, we provided a Year 1 Update, discussed our first Strategic Scan on AI in the Fire and Emergency Service, announced the CFI Showcase at the CPSE Excellence Conference, and held a forum on the concept of mission creep for fire departments.  We are excited to have these important and influential organizations serving on our Industry Advisory Council and look forward to collaborating with them on future research and reports.

“I am really excited about the Center for Innovation and the collaborations it is creating. The Center will do great things,” commented Danny Kistner, Director of Fire Service Programs at the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation after attending the meeting. Additionally, Wes Matthews, Fire Data Manager at the National Fire Protection Association said, “I think the work of the Center is incredibly important along with the conversations that it starts.”

Our Industry Advisory Council includes the following organizations:

  • Fire Safety Research Institute
  • FireRescue1
  • First Responder Center for Excellence
  • International Association of Fire Chiefs
  • International Code Council
  • International Fire Service Training Association
  • Marist University
  • National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
  • National Fire Protection Association
  • National Fire Sprinkler Association
  • National League of Cities
  • Science to the Station

CPSE launched the CPSE Center for Innovation in 2024 to serve as a catalyst for innovation in the fire and emergency service. As a trusted resource for innovative practices, the CPSE looks forward to giving back to the fire and emergency service through the CPSE CFI.  The CPSE CFI’s five program areas, Actionable Research, Expert Finder, Innovation Museum, Innovation Training, and Insight Hub, will highlight innovative solutions developed by Commission on Fire Accreditation International® (CFAI) accredited agencies and Commission on Professional Credentialing® (CPC) designees and address an industry-wide gap in evidence-based decision making.

About CPSE CFI

The CPSE Center for Innovation serves as a catalyst for innovation in the fire and emergency service. A wholly owned 501 (c)(3) nonprofit subsidiary, CPSE CFI will highlight innovative solutions developed by CPSE-accredited agencies and credentialed professionals and address an industry-wide gap in evidence-based decision making.