Newport News Fire Department earns ISO Class 1 rating; water works and 9-1-1 scores highlighted

Chief Wesley Rogers told the Newport News City Council on Jan. 14 that the Newport News Fire Department was evaluated by the Insurance Services Office and received the highest rating possible, ISO Class 1.

The chief described the three components the ISO assesses: fire department response (manpower and equipment), water supply, and emergency communications. He said Newport News received top marks across those areas and that the city’s water-works department “received the highest score ever issued by an ISO organization.” Rogers also praised the 9-1-1 center staff for a top score.

“Newport News received the highest rating possible. That is an ISO 1, so we’re extremely proud of that,” Chief Wesley Rogers said. He added that the three criteria were graded and concluded that “we are more than well prepared for disasters.”

Why it matters

An ISO Class 1 rating is the highest classification the Insurance Services Office awards; it is used by insurers to rate municipal fire protection and can influence insurance premiums for residents and businesses. Chief Rogers framed the classification as recognition of department readiness and the supporting infrastructure — particularly the water system and emergency communications center.

What the council did

The chief’s briefing followed a public-comment segment; the presentation was informational and the council did not take formal action during the comment. Council members later offered congratulations during council remarks.

Details and next steps

The briefing did not include a specific list of scoring metrics or a written ISO report in the public record at the meeting. The chief noted that the ISO evaluation looks at manpower, equipment, water supply and communications; the meeting record does not specify whether the city will publish the ISO evaluation report or whether the rating will prompt follow-up investments.