The Marquette Police Department, long known as a highly professional agency with top people all through the ranks, has recently gone where no Upper Peninsula police department has gone, achieving accreditation from the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

The feat places MPD among the top agencies in the state, where there are more than 600.

“It is a true honor to have achieved this status, and we look forward to continuing to develop and provide the best service that we can to our community,” Marquette Police Chief Blake Rieboldt said during a ceremony at a city commission meeting.

To attain the accreditation, which is voluntary, MPD was inspected by a team of assessors in December to ensure it was in compliance with 105 standards — and 444 proofs of compliance for the 105 standards — that were set by the commission as requirements for accreditation.

Put another way, this was no easy task. It took several years and involved every member of the department.

Although the accreditation is good for three years, the department must submit annual reports to demonstrate it is continuing what it started.

Hats off to the men and women that make up the Marquette Police Department. Your professionalism has once again set you apart from other police agencies. But in doing so, you set an outstanding example for others to follow.