Heppell Receives CFSP Designation

Heppell First Western Canadian Funeral Director to be Awarded CFSP Designation

Westerville, Ohio - Robin Heppell, CFSP, was awarded the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Heppell is the first recipient of this designation in Western Canada.

A number of professions grant special recognition to members upon completion of specified academic and professional programs and the "CFSP" is funeral service's national individual recognition. The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, since its 1976 founding, has had as its goals:

• to recognize those practitioners who have voluntarily entered into a program of personal and professional growth
• to raise and improve the standards of funeral service
• to encourage practitioners to make continuing education a life-long process in their own self-interest, the interest of the families they serve, and the community in which they serve

David A. McCall, owner McCall Bros. Funeral Directors, who hired Heppell as an apprentice 20 years ago stated, "Robin is highly respected in Victoria for both, his profession and community involvement. I believe him to be of excellent character and to display a high level of dedication and integrity. His recognition by the Academy demonstrates his ongoing desire of self-improvement which translates into providing the best, possible service for families."

To initially receive this award, the practitioner must complete a 180 hour program of continuing education activities and events. In addition, the practitioner is required to accumulate 20 hours per year to recertify. Credits are awarded by the Academy for work leading to personal and / or professional growth in four areas: Academic
Activities, Professional Activities, Career Review, and Community and Civic Activities.

For more information about Academy membership and certification may be obtained by contacting:
Kimberly Gehlert, Executive Director
Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice
P.O. Box 2275, Westerville, OH 43086
(614) 899-6200 - www.apfsp.com