Cleburne earns ISO PPC 1 rating; city leaders, state fire marshal praise coordinated fire, water and communications work

Cleburne officials on Monday announced the city has earned an ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) 1 rating, a top score that reflects the community’s fire response, water supply and emergency communications.

"It is a testament to the fire department, the water department, but you as the city administration’s support for what they’re doing," said Jeff Edwards, a senior field representative who said he has conducted Cleburne surveys for about 20 years and has seen the city move from a Class 3 to 2 and now to 1. State Fire Marshal Deborah Knight, who attended to present the recognition, explained ISO’s scoring (fire department 50 percent, water 40 percent, emergency communications 10 percent) and noted that fewer than 500 communities nationwide hold a PPC 1.

"This is a community achievement," Edwards added as he presented a plaque to city staff.

Mayor Pro Tem and others praised the work. One council member noted that the rating is not only a point of civic pride but can affect insurance rates for residents. "That’s a very exciting thing, not just for the bragging rights, but also for everyone that lives here within the city limits of Cleburne," the presiding officer said.

The council held a short recognition before moving to its consent agenda. City staff credited cross-departmental investments and said the rating reflects sustained coordination among the fire department, water utility and emergency communications.

A plaque presentation and brief remarks from ISO representatives closed the recognition item.