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Harlingen Fire Department reports ISO rating improvement, outlines training and community programs
Summary
Harlingen Fire Department described staffing, specialized teams, a new instructor program and community outreach — including installing 125 smoke alarms in 76 homes — and reported a recent ISO rating improvement from 3 to 2, which can lower insurance costs for residents.
The Harlingen Fire Department briefed the City Commission on operations, regional response capabilities and community programs and highlighted an ISO rating improvement that officials said will benefit policyholders.
Assistant Fire Chief Daryl Loftus and Deputy Chief Joey Alberton presented department structure, training assets and mutual‑aid participation. Loftus said the department now fields HazMat, ARFF, trench‑rescue and confined‑space teams and conducts wildland/interface training in partnership with regional and state entities.
The department reported roughly 3,500 calls a year, about 80% medical in nature, and shared budget and capital details: an annual budget of approximately $12 million with about 90% for salaries and benefits; fire trucks costing roughly $1.2 to $1.6 million each; and station renovation estimates discussed for Stations 1 and 6. Loftus said two fire trucks are on order with an expected delivery near July 2026.
The presentation included community programs: a recent smoke‑alarm campaign serviced 76 homes with 125 alarms installed and a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program using a FEMA curriculum that can be offered locally in 20–30 hour modules. "We had a smoke alarm campaign in which 76 homes were serviced with 125 alarms installed," Loftus said.
Loftus also noted a departmental milestone: "We went from a 3 to a 2," referring to the department's Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating change in 2023. Officials explained that the ISO rating reflects fire‑department performance, water utility and dispatch; a lower (better) ISO rating can translate into insurance savings for policyholders.
Commissioners asked about CERT scheduling, certification and neighborhood watch coordination. Staff said they can provide certificate‑of‑completion cards for participants and will tailor program schedules to community availability. The department indicated interest in partnering with neighborhood organizations to expand training and preparedness.
Commissioners praised the department's regional work during recent floods and its community outreach programs; the presentation concluded without further action required.
