Johnson City Retains Prestigious ISO Rating

The City of Johnson City has proudly retained its top-notch Insurance Service Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating of 1, implying its high competence in dealing with structure fire emergencies. Out of 838 ISO-classified communities in Tennessee, only eight, including Johnson City, are fortunate to achieve this optimal number.

About the ISC PPC Rating

The ISO’s PPC rating evaluates the local fire department’s capacity to respond to and combat structural fires. The overall score features a maximum of 50 points for the Fire Department, with point categories encompassing aspects such as firefighter training, emergency response, fire station distribution, equipment maintenance, and inventory testing. This comprehensive assessment attests to the remarkable abilities of the department.

Commending the Collaborative Efforts

Cathy Ball, City Manager, praised the achievement, attributing it to the tremendous endeavors of multiple departments and personnel. “Retaining a rating of 1 reflects the excellence of not only those in the Johnson City Fire Department but also the Water and Sewer Services and the Washington County 911,” she said.

She acknowledged the combined daily efforts to provide exemplary service to Johnson City’s population. She also appreciated the City Commission for the funding support that enabled them to reach this level of proficiency.

Continual Improvements

Despite this significant accomplishment, the City aims to continually enhance its services. David Bell, Johnson City Fire Department Chief, expressed the persistent endeavor to elevate their offerings’ quality and improve their skills in all aspects. Since the last ISO-PPC rating was issued to Johnson City in 2016, the Fire Department has introduced new hydrants across the city, replaced old and worn-out fire apparatus with state-of-the-art equipment, enhanced personnel, and improved data analysis for better trend forecasting.

The Crucial Role of Other Departments

Although the Fire Department chiefly shoulders this rating, Water and Sewer Services and 911 communications also play essential roles in the rating evaluation. Water and Sewer Services have bettered the water system to ensure optimal hydrant flows during fires. Washington County 911, in turn, efficiently dispatches fire alarms and ensures the Fire Department receives accurate information.

A National Acknowledgement

Nationally, only 498 out of 38,195 ISO Community Rated Systems have managed to secure an ISO-PPC rating of 1. Many insurance companies utilize these ISO-PPC ratings for underwriting and determining premiums for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This lends an increased significance to Johnson City’s achieved rating as it shows a direct impact on the community’s wellbeing and security.

In Appreciation of Collective Effort

Wrapping up this significant news, Cathy Ball thanked everyone involved, including the various City departments, the staff and the Board of Commissioners for their tireless efforts. She stated, “This rating is a recognition of the tremendous work of our staff and how that directly benefits our community.”