The San Antonio Fire Department has been awarded a Class 1 Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), the highest score a fire protection community can receive.
“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.
“Public safety is our number one priority, and this new classification shows that our investment in protecting San Antonio residents is paying off,” City Manager Sheryl Sculley said. “The community can rest assured that we have one of the best fire departments in the country. Along with the City’s AAA bond rating, this new recognition from the Insurance Services Office shows that our city is tops in terms of financial management and public safety.”
In the last 10 years, the fire department’s operating budget has increased by $119 million. The City has added 221 uniformed positions, five EMS units, a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center and high rise, boarding home and hazardous materials inspectors. In that time, more than $60 million has been allocated for three new fire stations and the replacement of nine stations. Despite the city’s rapid growth and an increase in calls for emergency service, the department’s average response times have remained steady at 7 minutes and 50 seconds.
“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, who is also a member of Firehouse editorial board, 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.
In addition to a community’s fire department and emergency communications, the ISO also looks at a city’s ability to identify and prioritize local risks and the integrated and strategic investment of resources. Individual insurance companies can set premiums based on the Class 1 rating, and residents are encouraged to check with their insurance company to determine whether they will be impacted by this new classification.
One San Antonio
Diverse, internationally connected and globally competitive, San Antonio has a vibrant culture and economy and is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States. America’s seventh-largest city offers opportunities in industries ranging from bioscience, financial services, aerospace, cybersecurity, energy and transportation manufacturing to healthcare. In 2016, San Antonio was named an All-America City by the National Civic League. We are Military City, USATM, home to crucial military commands supported by a patriotic citizenry. We welcome 34.4 million visitors annually who inject $13.6 billion annually into our economy, and UNESCO designated the city’s Spanish colonial missions as a World Heritage Site in 2015. Celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2018, San Antonio is a city with a storied past and an even brighter future. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov.
Woody Woodward
Public Relations Manager
San Antonio Fire Department
315 S. Santa Rosa Ave.
San Antonio, Texas 78207
O: 210.207.8492 C: 210.882.7713
