Pike Twp. is First IN Fire Department to Achieve ISO Class 1 Certification

The Insurance Services Organization (ISO) has recognized the Pike Township Fire Department as belonging to a very elite group of fire departments in the country in achieving a “Class 1” rating. The department is the first in the state of Indiana to achieve this status.

The rating, which took effect November 1, represents proof of the professional culture that has long existed at Pike, said Chief Rob Saunders.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the firefighters on this department and the work that they do every day here in Pike," Saunder said. "It would be impossible to list all of the accomplishments they have done that contributed to this achievement."

Obtaining the rating would also not have been possible without the world class water supply provided by Citizens Energy.

“Citizen’s water supply to this area contributed immensely to our rating and a water supply score such as theirs is rarely seen,” stated Deputy Chief Chris Bachman.

The Class 1 rating also reflects the seamless automatic aid agreements that are a common practice in the Indianapolis area.

“It is not uncommon for the initial alarm to contain units from 2, 3 or even 4 different departments, all operating off of common operating procedures and a common dispatch center," said Deputy Chief Jim Campbell. Pike also benefitted greatly from the "bonus points" awarded for Community Risk Reduction under the programs managed by Fire Marshal Jonathan Kempler. 

Pike Township Fire Department is a fully career department covering 44 square miles of the northwest side of the City of Indianapolis. It is staffed by 132 firefighters and 32 civilian medics, operating out of 5 stations. It is an "all hazards" department, including a Dive Team, utilizing 5 ALS Engines, 2 Ladders, Support Staff, and 2 boats, in addition to operating 4 transporting ALS ambulances. The 2016 emergency call volume was slightly over 12,000.