City of Montgomery, AL
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Montgomery Fire/Rescue is proud to announce that we have retained the highest possible rating that can be awarded to any fire department, a Public Protection Class 1 rating, from the Insurance Services Office for providing superior protection – a distinction earned by less than 0.2 percent of communities nationwide.
In 2014, Montgomery was Alabama’s first city to join an elite group of municipalities that have ever achieved this rating. After being reevaluated in 2019, Montgomery Fire/Rescue received an even higher score for its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule, making Montgomery the first city in the state to retain such a prestigious rating.
“The diligence, duty and dedication of the men and women of Montgomery Fire/Rescue are among the qualities that afford our community the protection and peace of mind experienced by few cities in America,” Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed said. “Our firefighters exemplify what it takes to truly protect and serve with excellence and integrity, standing ready to run toward flames and danger whenever and wherever emergencies arise.”
Fire Chief Miford Jordan praised the collaborative efforts and skill of employees throughout Montgomery Fire/Rescue. “I could not be more proud of our MF/R team,” said Jordan. “It’s meaningful to me to not only be a part of securing the top ISO rating but to also lead our efforts to successfully retain this certification because of its importance to our city and our people. It is an honor to have the opportunity to contribute every day to the safety and well-being of Montgomery.”
ISO ratings are the nationwide standard by which community fire protective services are evaluated. Virtually all insurance companies in the United States use this data to establish fire insurance premiums. Higher ISO ratings help secure lower fire insurance premiums for both residential and commercial customers.
The major portion of the public protection survey is an evaluation of the capabilities of Montgomery Fire/Rescue, including equipment, staffing, training, geographic distribution, community risk reduction and response times. The survey also takes into account the capabilities of the Department of Emergency Communications and Montgomery Water Works, assessing telephone systems, telephone lines, staffing, dispatch systems, and the city’s water supply system, including the condition and maintenance of hydrants and the amount of water available and needed to suppress fires.