The City of Shawnee is proud to announce four of its Departments have officially achieved accreditation. This makes the City of Shawnee one of the elite few cities across the United States to accomplish this designation. 

- The Shawnee Parks and Recreation Department received the highest marks possible from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, earning accreditation in September 2022.

- The American Public Works Association awarded the Shawnee Public Works Department accreditation in 2015 and has completed its reaccreditation.  

- The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies granted the Shawnee Police Department accreditation in 2019.

- The Shawnee Fire Department earned accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International in 2017, received an ISO-1 rating in 2019 and has completed its reaccreditation.  

- In addition, the United States Chamber of Commerce designated the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce as an accredited five-star Chamber. 

- In 2019, the City of Shawnee also received a AAA bond rating.  

City Manager Nolan Sunderman continued the goal of achieving accreditation across all Departments eligible because he understands how important it is for our community.

“We want our residents to know we are here to serve them and are dedicated to putting in the work, day in and day out, to ensure our community receives the highest level of public service possible. These accreditations also showcase our employees’ hard work, dedication and collaboration across all departments. It shows we care, we have pride in our community and are constantly striving to provide excellent service.” 

Mayor Michelle Distler says she is proud of the community, Governing Body and City staff that worked together for these distinctions.

“We now have four accredited Departments because of the combined efforts of the community, Governing Body and hundreds of employees from all across the City that came together to make all this happen. These accreditations are more than titles. They are sources of pride for our community and a reassurance that residents know we are all working to make Shawnee the best place to be.” 

Some of the City Departments have already achieved re-accreditations and City staff will continue to pursue all re-accreditations moving forward to build upon our already strong foundation in Shawnee. 

Please join us in congratulating our City staff who have worked hard to help Shawnee become a Community of Excellence.