BTC, - Episode 6 - Thomas Breyer

Data-Driven Progress: Fire Accreditation & Innovation with Thomas Breyer

In this episode of Beyond the Checklist, host Kevin Rhea sits down with Thomas Breyer—NAAL Advisory Board Member, former Commissioner with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), and a leading voice in fire service data modernization.

From the fireground to the boardroom, Thomas shares his journey into accreditation leadership and how real-time data systems are reshaping the fire service’s approach to performance, equity, and community impact. He offers practical insights for agencies looking to move beyond “check-the-box” compliance toward truly transformational change, reveals the common blind spots that can derail accreditation efforts, and outlines quick wins for improvement—regardless of agency size.

Whether you’re in fire, EMS, law enforcement, or emergency management, this conversation will challenge you to see accreditation not as an obligation, but as a strategic driver for innovation and trust.