Shelby Fire & Rescue rated among the best in the state

Shelby Fire and Rescue recently earned one of the highest insurance ratings in the state, landing it among the top 30 departments across North Carolina.

It was recently announced at a city council meeting that Shelby Fire and Rescue received an Insurance Services Office Class 1 rating.

According to a news release from the city, the rating is the highest rating a fire and rescue department can achieve and represents years of improvements in fire and rescue services as well as the city’s water system.

"The city has made significant financial investments to better serve the community," the release said.

Davie Summey, Division Chief of Inspection and Ratings for the N.C. Office of the State Fire Marshal, made the presentation on behalf of Brian Taylor, the North Carolina state Fire Marshal, at the recent Shelby city council meeting.

Summey said he started his career as a fire rating inspector almost 24 years ago, and Shelby was one of the first he rated.

"There are 1,217 fire departments across the great state of North Carolina, and you are all going to be privileged to be among some of the highest ones in the state," he said. "Now you can really brag on your great fire department because there are only 30 departments in the state that currently have this classification of a Class 1 fire department, which is the best you can be."

He said in order to be a Class 1, departments must score 90 or better and Shelby Fire and Rescue scored 94.

An ISO rating is given to cities and towns across the country indicating how prepared they are for fires, and is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with one representing communities with the most effective fire service capabilities, and 10 representing communities with the least effective fire service capabilities.

“The ISO inspection is not just about the fire department; this is the city of Shelby’s rating and includes the fire department as well as our water system, and our communication system,” said Shelby Fire and Rescue Department Fire Chief William Hunt. “This is a tremendous achievement for our city, and one in which we can all take pride.”

Not only is the rating an indication of how prepared the city is for fires, but it also means lower insurance costs for homeowners.

“We are thrilled to have obtained ISO class 1 rating,” stated Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony. “It is a testament to the ongoing efforts of city council to invest in the Shelby Fire and Rescue Department and the Water Resources Department. The city of Shelby to constantly striving for excellence in these services for our community.”

Reporter Rebecca Sitzes can be reached at rsitzes@gannett.com.