West Virginia University Extension Fire Service has earned another five-year accreditation from the Pro Board, maintaining its standing as the only fire service training program in West Virginia to hold the nationally recognized certification.
The Pro Board site visit team found no corrective actions or deficiencies in the program, and praised several WVU Extension Fire Service practices as “truly exemplary” — flagging them as potential models for other states.
“For agencies delivering fire service certifications, Pro Board accreditation is the gold standard of independent, third-party assessment,” said Mark Lambert, director of WVU Extension Fire Service. “This reaccreditation affirms that our certification testing processes are fair, valid, and reliable, bolstering the credibility of every credential we issue.”
Mark Pare, team leader and director of Rhode Island Fire Training Academy, led the site visit team.
“During our two-day site visit, WVU Extension Fire Service clearly demonstrated they have the capabilities, facilities and examination practices to meet every requirement,” Pare said. “They test 100% of the JPRs, require 100% proficiency on skills, use Starlink to support computer-based testing, and maintain policy manuals that align directly with Pro Board criteria. It’s a robust, well-run program.”
Lambert said the reaccreditation strengthens the program’s national profile and credited program coordinator Ralph McNemar with leading the effort.
“It solidifies our national recognition and positions the State Fire Academy as a flagship leader in fire training, empowering us to expand programs and continue setting the bar for professional standards,” he said. “I also want to recognize Ralph McNemar, program coordinator for WVU Extension Fire Service, who spearheaded this whole process, he did a tremendous job.”
