The Commission on Fire Accreditation International awarded Dennis Gage of the ISO the 2005 Ray Picard Award, recognizing individual superior leadership and outstanding contribution to CFAI and to fire and emergency service accreditation.

Gage was selected for his “commitment to quality improvement, his involvement in the development of the accreditation process.” Gage has served a six-year term as a CFAI commissioner. He also was selected for “unwavering commitment” to the improvement of fire protection in the United States.

“Dennis is one who assumes a leadership role that is often not visible by others but has tremendous impact,” said CFAI Chairman Randy Bruegman at the award presentation on Aug. 10 in Denver. “His ability to quietly articulate, work behind the scenes and to build consensus have helped to make the CFAI and the accreditation process what it is today.

The award was named after its first recipient and one of the founding fathers of fire and emergency services accreditation.