1st Pasco Firefighter Certified By Center Of Public Safety

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Pasco County Fire Rescue announced that Training Capt. Kyle Paton has become its first certified fire officer through the Center of Public Safety Excellence.

Paton completed the process that awards the professional designation of "fire officer." He's one of only 664 fire officers worldwide.

The designation program is a voluntary program to recognize firefighters who demonstrate excellence in seven measured components, including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competence.

"Capt. Paton committing the time, training and community service to become this agency’s first-ever credentialed fire officer highlights what moves this agency forward," said Fire Chief Scott Cassin. "His commitment to earning a designation such as this highlights his dedication to this department and the community he loves to serve."

Paton leads by example in the Pasco County Fire Rescue Training Division.

"This is one way that I can show that you need to put your money where your mouth is," said Paton. "You need to lead from the front and by example. We must teach the next generation what you can achieve with hard work."

The fire officer designation program uses a comprehensive peer review model to evaluate candidates seeking the credential. The Commission on Professional Credentialing awards the designation only after an individual successfully meets all the organization's stringent criteria.

This professional designation requires recipients to show continued growth in professional development, professional contributions, active association membership and community involvement and adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.