City Manager Mark Johnson, Mayor Clint Abbott, and Fire Chief Roger Robinson are proud to announce the City of Alcoa Fire Department has achieved an Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating. Previously, the AFD was rated as a Class 2 department. The PPC Class 1 is the highest rating afforded to fire departments across the nation. The ISO is an independent company that serves insurance companies, communities, fire departments, and others by providing information about risk. City Manager Johnson notes, “The rating is based on numerous elements within the fire department such as manpower, training, response time, and, of course, being provided with excellent up to date equipment.”
According to University of Tennessee’s Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) Fire Consultant Dennis Wolf, only seven other of the 852 fire departments in the state have achieved this rating, making AFD the eighth department to hold this classification. “A community’s investment in fire mitigation is a proven and reliable predicator of future fire losses,” said Wolf, “and Alcoa is to be commended for this achievement. The fire department’s efforts have resulted in a safer community for both home and businesses owners.” Currently, AFD is the only fire department in the state of Tennessee that holds both a Class 1 ISO rating and the designation as an internationally accredited department.
Chief Robinson commented, “After several years of intense focus and extensive efforts, we’ve finally achieved a monumental goal. We are extremely proud of achieving the Class 1 rating, as it reflects the hard work and dedication of all our personnel. This is truly a team effort. Our firefighters did an excellent job helping us meet all the requirements for the Class 1 rating. This wouldn’t be possible without the support and commitment of the Alcoa Public Works and Engineering Department who provide and maintain our water supply, as well as the Blount County Communication District, under the supervision and coordination of Director Jimmy Long, for their excellent dispatching services. We also want to thank the Board of Commissioners, Mayor Abbott, and City Manager Johnson for their continued support.”
ISO ratings play a role in insurance premiums for commercial and residential policyholders. City Manager Johnson says, “ISO ratings are used by insurance companies to set premium rates for policyholders. The lower the rating, the lower the cost to our property owners in the City.” This classification is effective October 1, 2021, for all policyholders.
The City of Alcoa is proud of our fire department and all they continue to achieve. Congratulations to the AFD on their recognition as a Class 1 department!
For more information, please contact Fire Chief Robinson at (865) 380-5191.