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Prosper Fire and Rescue honored as Heart Safe Community and retains ISO Class 1 rating
Summary
Prosper Fire and Rescue received a Heart Safe Community recognition from the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council and the town’s public protection classification (ISO Class 1) was renewed, a distinction that officials said can lower insurance costs and bolster economic development.
Prosper Town Council on May 27 recognized Prosper Fire and Rescue for two statewide and regional honors: designation as a Heart Safe Community by the North Central Texas Trauma Regional Advisory Council (NCCTraq) and renewal of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Class 1 public protection classification.
Chief Bonnie (Prosper Fire and Rescue) summarized the multi-agency effort behind the recognition, citing collaboration with Prosper Independent School District, local medical leadership and community partners. Melissa Kristen, director of emergency health care systems for NCCTraq, described the Heart Safe Community program and said it focuses on access to emergency care, AED availability and community training.
"A city that desires to become a heart safe community must apply to the program by submitting evidence of their efforts in each of these mentioned categories," Kristen said. "They must be evaluated, scored accordingly, and finally be endorsed by the NCCTraq board of directors."
Fire Chief Stuart Blassingame announced the town retained the ISO Class 1 rating, a national assessment of fire protection that factors department operations, emergency communications and water supply. "I'm honored to announce that Prosper has once again retained this prestigious Class 1 designation," Blassingame said, noting nationwide and statewide rarity for that rating.
Assistant State Fire Marshal Chuck Allen and Public Protection Classification Coordinator Eric DeArmit described Prosper’s performance on the most recent ISO review. Allen cited the town’s growth between surveys, noting the 2018 survey reflected a population of 20,995 and staffing counted as 14.81 firefighters; the more recent survey used a population figure of 41,660 and credited 21.55 firefighters, three engines and one ladder truck. DeArmit said Prosper scored 92.97 points under the updated review process.
Council members and officials thanked the fire department, Public Works (water supply) and emergency communications for the achievement. Officials said Class 1 status can lower insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses and signal high-quality public safety capacity to prospective businesses and residents.
