Local funeral directors earn key designation
(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)
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Randy L. Grimes, CFSP and Eddie P. Beagles, CFSP of Columbia City have recently qualified for the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP), by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. 
A number of professions grant special recognition to members upon completion of specified academic and professional programs and “CFSP” is funeral service’s national individual recognition.
The Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, since its 1976 founding, has had as its goals: 1) to recognize those practitioners who have voluntarily entered into a program of personal and professional growth, 2) to raise and improve the standards of funeral service and 3) 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.
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 several areas, including academic activities, professional activities, career review, community and civic activities.
DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home is Columbia City’s only funeral home to have 100% of its funeral director staff as certified practitioners by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.