Transparency Certificate of Excellence Awarded to East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

Brentwood, CA — East Contra Costa Fire Protection District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.   

“This award is a testament to East Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s commitment to open government,” said, Fire Chief Brian Helmick. “The entire district staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.” To receive the award, a special district must demonstrate the completion of essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.

“I am ecstatic to hear that we have worked through the process, to acquire this certificate of excellence,” said, President Brian Oftedal.  “It is extremely important to me, that we are accessible, promote transparency and maintain public trust.”  The application process to obtain this certificate is not easy. There is an extensive list of requirements.  “I am thrilled that we are now able to showcase East Contra Costa Fire Protection District’s commitment to transparency.” 

SDLF is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs.

Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as water, wastewater treatment, fire protection, parks and recreation, healthcare, sanitation, mosquito abatement, ports, libraries, public cemeteries and more.  Districts are established by voters and their funding is approved by voters to meet specific needs through focused service.  They can be specially molded to serve large regions or small neighborhoods depending on the need.