For Immediate Release

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-9003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Maynard Fire Capt. Walter Latta Jr. Achieves Accreditation for the Level of Fire Chief

MAYNARD – Fire Chief Anthony Stowers is pleased to announce that Capt. Walter Latta Jr. was granted accreditation for the level of fire chief by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission (FSC) on March 20.

The FSC is a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief based on education, training and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief. The program establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chief officers may be better prepared to serve their department and community.

“This program allows chief officers to document their efforts to develop and maintain the skills to be an effective leader and manager in today’s fire service,” State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said. “The process provides an equal opportunity for the volunteer, call, or full-time fire service leader to meet the minimum criteria for achieving fire chief accreditation.”

Each applicant’s documentation is reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if the individual has attained a minimum level of credits for education, training and experience.

“Capt. Latta has continually been a tremendous asset to the fire department and we are very proud of him for achieving this level of accreditation,” Chief Stowers said. “This accomplishment is a testament to his dedication to the community, our department and the fire service as a whole.”

Application for accreditation is open to all fire service members in the Commonwealth serving as chief of a department, or any person holding the rank of captain or above. Participation in the program is voluntary and all eligible personnel are encouraged to partake. Accredited participants are required to renew their credentials every three years.

“I am dedicated to providing the highest level of service to this community and have worked hard to continue my education and experience to bring a high level of professionalism to this position,” Capt. Latta said. “I appreciate that this accomplishment recognizes my dedication to be the best fire service leader I can be for this community.”

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