The Overland Park Public Safety Committee meeting on August 13, 2025, featured a significant update from the fire department regarding its accreditation status and strategic initiatives. Fire Risk Manager Shanna Hurst and Fire Deputy Chief Brad Cusick presented a comprehensive overview of the department's accreditation process and ongoing efforts to enhance public safety.

The fire department is currently undergoing a five-year accreditation cycle, which includes a detailed self-assessment manual with 250 performance indicators. This process is complemented by a Community Risk Assessment (CRASOC) that outlines the department's methodologies and risk categorization. Hurst highlighted the importance of their 2023 to 2027 strategic plan, which focuses on recruitment, retention, staffing, and community relations.

A key achievement discussed was the acceptance of the department's annual compliance report by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), which recommended the retention of their accreditation status. This report included updates on 18 recommendations from the previous cycle, emphasizing the department's evolution and improvements in leadership and budget management.

The presentation also introduced a new community risk reduction specialist, Alyssa Conzen, who will help tailor fire safety messages based on demographic data. Additionally, the department is exploring a new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) platform to improve resource allocation and response times.

Chief Cusick showcased the First Watch dashboard, a new tool designed to analyze and visualize data from various systems, allowing for better decision-making and resource management. This tool enables the department to track call volumes and response times more effectively, providing insights into operational efficiency.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the geographical zones used for fire management, which help the department assess resource distribution and response strategies across the city. The fire department plans to continue refining its strategic initiatives and preparing for the next reaccreditation process in 2027.

Overall, the updates reflect the Overland Park fire department's commitment to maintaining high standards of public safety and improving service delivery through data-driven strategies and community engagement.