By Steffen Klenk
The Ocean City Fire Department made an extraordinary announcement on Monday. The 68-member squad has achieved the Insurance Services Office (ISO) status of Class 1, a classification only held by less than 1.5 percent of all 40,000 fire departments throughout the country. This status reflects several factors, which includes the department’s excellence in firefighting operations, training, staffing, equipment, responses, and community risk reduction. The new rating will go into effect as of June 1, 2024.
In a press conference, Mayor Jay Gillian spoke about the achievement and thanked the staff for their devotion to service. “Ocean City’s first responders are second to none. I’m proud of their service and public safety will always be a cornerstone of ‘America’s Greatest Family Resort’.”
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) collects and evaluates valuable data and information from communities throughout the country. The information is analyzed using a Fire Suppression Rating System (FSRS), after which a Public Protection Classification (PPC) grade is assigned to that community.
Not only does this valuable rating provide peace of mind for homeowners and businesses in Ocean City, allowing insurance companies that use PPC data to establish fair premiums, but it also shows the community’s investment in fire mitigation.
“Receiving this award is an excellent acknowledgement of the operations and protections offered by the Ocean City Department of Fire and Rescue Services,” said Fire Chief James P. Smith in a statement. “I’m grateful to the city for providing the resources to help us attain this rare rating.”
The Ocean City Fire Department joins the ranks of two other New Jersey towns in the state to carry the ISO Class 1 rating, including Jersey City and Hackensack.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
