Fort Walton Beach Police praised for excellence and accountability in CFA reaccreditation review
Fort Walton Beach, Florida – The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) has officially reaccredited the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. This shows that the department remains committed to professionalism, integrity, and high operational standards. The agency got the award without any problems, which shows that it always follows state-level best practices in police.
Every three years, agencies can get accreditation if they meet strict standards that promote accountability, service performance, and public trust. The Fort Walton Beach Police Department initially got accredited in 2022 and has since followed the CFA’s rules completely. A group of assessors went to the site in August and looked at the department’s policies, procedures, and daily operations in detail before recommending complete reaccreditation to the commission.
Police Chief Robert Bage said that the award is a sign of the department’s continued commitment, not just a one-time thing.
“Accreditation is never about one moment or one inspection, it’s about every call handled, every report written, every interaction,” said Police Chief Robert Bage. “It’s about the culture of excellence we have built together, a culture that doesn’t settle for ‘good enough,’ but strives to lead by example in outstanding service to our community.”
Chief Bage accepted the award at the CFA conference in Fort Myers, together with Police Lieutenants Kendra Stalls and Terrence James and City Manager Jason Davis. Their attendance showed that the city strongly supports professional policing and working together with the community.
After the news, Chief Bage thanked his team for helping to keep the department’s high standards.
“I want to personally thank each and every one of you, from our command staff to our newest recruits to our professional personnel, for the role you played in our success,” said Chief Bage. “Accreditation affirms that we meet the highest standards in Florida law enforcement, but more importantly, it reflects who we are: a team committed to accountability, transparency, and service. I could not be prouder to serve alongside you. Congratulations, and thank you for continuing to uphold the values that define this department, city and community.”
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The reaccreditation is both a recognition and a reason for the Fort Walton Beach Police Department to keep working toward its goals of public safety and excellence. For the community, it is a sign that their local police are professional, honest, and always put the needs of the people they serve first.
