GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) is the first fire agency in the state to receive the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 rating.
The rating was announced during a news conference this afternoon that included Fire Chief John Lehman, City Manager Mark Washington, Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, city commissioners and state Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer.
The Class 1 rating is the ISO’s highest and is the result of GRFD’s overall efficiency in execution and response of emergency service. The rating has been achieved by less than 1 percent of fire departments nationwide.
“This rating reflects the hard work and dedication of our fire department, water department and emergency communications center in providing high-quality services to our citizens,” Chief Lehman said. “We appreciate that we have attained this rating, recognizing it was hard work to get here. It is our mission to maintain this high standard and continue to provide world-class fire service in an ever-growing community.”
The ISO evaluates more than 50,000 fire departments nationwide, with only 330 earning the Class 1 rating. Among the 259 accredited fire agencies worldwide, only 71 hold a Class 1 rating.