The San Antonio Fire Department today received the highest possible rating from the Insurance Service Office, the independent organization that represents insurance companies, a rating which should help hold down the cost of homeowners insurance, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"In addition to the public service benefits of this rating, many insurance companies hold down premiums as the public safety classifiction improves," City Manager Sheryl Sculley said.
The Class 1 rating is very infrequently awarded, and only to the very best fire departments.
“I always knew we had one of the best fire departments in the country, and this Class 1 rating reinforces that sentiment with certainty,” Mayor Ivy R. Taylor said. “I am so proud of the work our firefighters do. They are well-trained, well-equipped and their efforts make San Antonio safer.”
The ISO independently evaluates municipalities throughout the country and assesses a fire department’s response times, training of personnel, communication systems and maintenance of equipment. Less than one percent of rated departments have achieved a Class 1 rating, and holding this classification may lower insurance rates for property owners in San Antonio.
Sculley said when you consider that public safety is the numb er one priority of City government, a rating like this is critical. this is the first time the San Antonio Fire Department has received the top rating. The ratings go from 1 at the top down to 10.
“Being recognized with a top ISO rating is something that all citizens of San Antonio should be excited about, as it is poof SAFD is among the nation’s best,” Fire Chief Charles Hood said. “This Class 1 rating is a testament to the sacrifices and hard work of the sworn and civilian men and women behind SAFD. I would like to thank Mayor Taylor, our City Council and City Manager Sculley for their strong support of public safety here in San Antonio.”
The official rating was presented by Jesse Williams, a representative from the State Fire Marshal’s office, at Thursday’s City Council meeting. Each of San Antonio’s fire apparatus will be updated with a logo depicting the new classification.