Mobile Fire-Rescue Announces Prestigious ISO 1 Public Protection Classification Rating

Mobile, Ala. — Mobile Fire-Rescue Department (MFRD) proudly announced that it has successfully recertified as an ISO 1 Public Protection Classification (PPC) rated fire department in a small ceremony at Hancock Whitney Stadium at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, Wednesday morning, December 4, 2024. This elite classification recognizes the department’s exceptional fire suppression and prevention efforts, and places it among the top departments nationwide. Only 14 departments in Alabama have an ISO 1 rating.

The ISO PPC program evaluates communities on a variety of factors, including fire department operations, water supply, emergency communications, and community risk reduction. By achieving an ISO 1 rating, MFRD demonstrates its commitment to providing the highest level of fire protection services to its residents.

“We are honored to continue to receive this prestigious recognition,” Fire Chief Johnny Morris Jr. said. “The number one challenge was to hold on to it and the other challenge was to do better, and we did.” The department’s overall score improved by more than 3 percent.

“It’s a testament to the tenacity and the professionalism and the dedication of our department to make sure that we deliver a high-quality product to the City of Mobile,” he said.

Having the top rating from the Insurance Services Office positively impacts the community by lowering insurance premiums for residents and businesses.

“Achieving and maintaining an ISO 1 rating is a monumental accomplishment for MFRD, which continues to prove that it is among the best fire departments in the country,” Mayor Sandy Stimpson said. “ISO 1 is the highest possible rating, and it reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of service. It also directly impacts Mobilians, helping to lower insurance rates for homeowners and businesses across the City of Mobile.”

Getting and maintaining the top rating is no small undertaking, requiring ongoing efforts from all 509 of the department’s employees, including staff members and dispatchers. Each year, firefighters meet training requirements, conduct pre-incident planning surveys at businesses, and ensure hydrants are operational and meet requirements. The Community Risk Reduction Division also plays a role in preventing fires. The department first achieved an ISO 1 rating, which is the best in the country, in 2018.

The department has also had great support from Mayor Sandy Stimpson and the Mobile City Council. Strong financial support for equipment and apparatuses, with long-term planning for fleet maintenance and replacement have helped meet the high standards required. The fleet includes new apparatuses on display today, including Truck 24, Rescue 1, Rescue 12, Rescue 28, Brush 1, and Brush 28, which were just placed into service this fall.

Other contributing factors were an outstanding water supply system from Mobile Area Water & Sewer System (MAWSS) and robust radio and dispatch system from Mobile County Communications District.

Cooperation from citizens and businesses also was a contributing factor and the department has continued to enjoy ongoing support from the community at large.

“We will continue to provide our excellent service to all who need help,” Morris said. “We believe in our community and are proud to be an important part of it, always making a difference.”

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