On August 2, 2012 the Newark Division of Fire/EMS announced that 5 years of research, planning and operational changes came to fruition by receiving accredited status at the International Fire/Rescue Conference in Denver CO. The accreditation was given after the Commission on Fire Accreditation held a hearing to review and confer the findings of a peer assessment team visitation. Chief Stickradt and Assistant Chief O’Brien represented the division. This accreditation will last for 5 years and marks a commitment to excellence in the fire service by the city and the division.