hoodline
By Ryan Anderson
Published on December 07, 2023

The San Marcos Fire Department (SMFD) was lauded on Tuesday with the Best Practices designation from the Texas Fire Chiefs' Association, a notable accolade marking the first for any public safety department within the city.

The prestigious recognition comes from an intense, multi-year process demonstrating excellence across a swath of categories deemed vital for top-tier fire service operations.

To secure the badge of honor, the SMFD had to meet and document a series of performance criteria set out by the Texas Fire Chiefs' Association.

These standards span areas such as administration, emergency medical services, fire operations, and numerous other capacities pivotal to ensuring public safety.

According to a city statement, Capt. Liz Baldinger spearheaded the extensive effort that culminated in the accreditation, having compiled the necessary proof for over 100 best practices across eleven categories, in accord with SanMarcos.

"We already know the great work our fire department does daily," Fire Chief Les Stephens stated. "This designation verifies that from an unbiased, third-party perspective. We’re proud to be honored on the state level." The acknowledgment doesn't just serve as a pat on the back — it also stands as a beacon for SMFD’s ongoing commitment to serving the residents of San Marcos with unwavering dedication to safety, as stated in SanMarcos.