The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to Upper Pine River Fire Protection District by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report for 2013.

The certification is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. It represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental agency and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has also been awarded to the Upper Pine River Fire Protection District's accountant, Mickey Ramsey.

The awards were judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the financial report.

"Mickey Ramsey, our contract accountant, and the district's business manager, Lisa Eckert, have done an excellent job keeping the district on track with the financial standards set forth by the GFOA," said Fire Chief Bruce Evans.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals.