Sweetwater Fire Department reports ISO improvement to Class 3 after March audit

Sweetwater Fire Department Chief John Anderson told the Sweetwater Board of Commissioners that the department improved its Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating to Class 3 following a March audit.

Anderson said the department began pursuing ISO improvements in 2015, moved from a Class 5 to a Class 4 in 2015 and narrowly retained a Class 4 in 2019 with a score of 60.25. He said the March audit produced a 17-point increase and a solid Class 3 result, which he described as an uncommon achievement: “We have a solid 3,” Anderson said, adding that “what only 8% of departments in the state and only 10% in the whole country have accomplished” had been achieved by Sweetwater.

The ISO rating influences property insurance costs because the ISO audit evaluates a fire department’s readiness and capabilities that insurance companies consider when setting rates. Anderson credited department personnel and the commission’s support for the improvement, saying the work required significant additional effort from staff and volunteers.

Commissioners thanked Anderson and invited department members present to stand for recognition. No formal vote or policy change accompanied the announcement.

Chief Anderson’s remarks were a public update to the board; he did not request specific action other than recognizing staff and noting continued focus on maintaining equipment and readiness.