Versailles VFD works to lower insurance rates for homeowners
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Homeowners and businesses in the town of Versailles can thank the efforts of the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department, for possibly lowering their homeowner insurance rates.

A letter was received this month from Insurance Services Office (ISO) regarding their evaluation of the Versailles Fire Department. "We would like to report that the resulting classification is a Class 5/9. Congratulations on your commitment to serve the needs of your community's property owners and residents," the letter read in part.

The ISO program evaluates communities according to a uniform set of criteria set forth in the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). Using this system, ISO reviews the fire department's capabilities of fighting fires and assigns a Public Protection Classification-a number from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents exemplary fire protection with 0.1% of departments receiving this rating. Class 10 denotes the fire company's program does not meet minimum recognition criteria. In a countrywide public protection classification summary it noted that 34.3% of departments fall into the 9 category, with only 12.4 % having a 5 rating.

Versailles Fire Chief Richard Purvis explained that their rating had been set at 7 and is now 5 - the lower rates translates into a lower cost for insurance to homeowners in Versailles. It also applies to businesses as well.

A spokesperson for a Versailles business noted the new rating will save their company hundreds of dollars in a year's time.

Excited about the savings for Versailles residents, Purvis said the rating is based on a number of criteria, some of which the fire department really doesn't have control over.

Three major factors come into play when fire departments are rated:

· Fire alarm and communication system;

· Fire department - which focuses on engine companies, ladder or service companies, distribution of fire stations and fire companies, equipment carried on apparatus, pumping capacity, reserve apparatus, department manning and training.

· Water supply system. This includes the water supply a community uses for fire suppression, including hydrant size, type, installation, as well as the inspection frequency and condition of fire hydrants.

Purvis notes that getting the rating lowered was a collaborative effort between the 911 Communication Center, the town and the fire department. "It's not just one group, but everyone pulling together," he noted. He also had high praise for the 28 firefighters in the department saying they had 1,680 hours of training last year alone.

Agreeing that a firefighter's work is not only seen when called to an incident, Purvis said these volunteers put in a number of hours that no one sees - training to be effective when they are called upon.

He concluded with the fact that their rating only fell a few points short of being in the 4 category and they will strive to get the best possible rating, making their service more effective and helping homeowners and businesses save on insurance costs.