This week on Beyond the Checklist, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of hosting a guest, our host Kevin Rhea takes the mic solo to share his own story, his passion for accreditation, and the vision behind the National Association for Accreditation Leadership (NAAL).

Kevin’s journey in public safety began in 1993 as a 911 dispatcher in metro Detroit, eventually leading him into patrol, investigations, supervision, training, union leadership, accreditation management, and national-level program development. Along the way, he learned firsthand how accreditation isn’t about binders or plaques—it’s about trust, accountability, and culture change.

In this episode, Kevin opens up about:

• How his career experiences shaped his deep respect for every public safety discipline.

• Why accreditation matters far beyond compliance, and how it builds confidence and credibility.

• The vision for NAAL as the professional home for accreditation managers and assessors across law enforcement, fire, EMS, corrections, communications, and emergency management.

• How membership in NAAL creates community, provides training, advances recognition, and amplifies the “why” of accreditation.

Whether you’re an accreditation manager, assessor, chief, or simply someone who believes in raising standards in public safety, this episode will give you a clear picture of why accreditation leadership matters—and how you can be part of the movement.

Because in Kevin’s words: “Accreditation isn’t about checklists. It’s about trust.”