Deerfield fire department reminds property owners of rating that could lower insurance

Deerfield volunteer fire department officials review materials pertaining to their recent fire protection rating evaluation. From left are Jeff Smith, board member; Kris Sisseck, board president; David Prickett, board member; bill Smith, fire chief; and Terry Forgey, firefighter/EMT. --submitted photo

The Deerfield Community Fire Association was recently reviewed by the Insurance Services organization of Chicago, Ill., and evaluated for a continued fire protection classification of 9 for homes and businesses within a 5-mile radius of the fire station in Deerfield.

First granted this classification in 1988, the department has continued to strive for improvement in local fire protection.

According to Deerfield fire department officials, volunteers have provided well in excess of 500 man-hours in the last several months toward improving the local fire services through activities such as training, equipment maintenance and repairs, building or modifying equipment, financial planning, preparing grant requests and responding to emergencies. The department strives to work closely with local emergency agencies and other area volunteer fire departments to provide services to subscribers. Deerfield fire department is not supported by any tax, and depends entirely upon grants, an annual fundraiser and the subscription fees paid by those they serve in the local community.

According to the Insurance Services Organization, a community may obtain a class 9 rating if it meets certain criteria in areas such as communications and dispatching, training, maintaining a minimum number of responders to incidents, equipment maintenance and repair records, minimum equipment inventories as well as equipment capabilities.

Department officials said it would take significant improvements to community infrastructure to facilitate further upgrades in the ISO calssificaion, but noted they are working to do their part; saying, "We have made significant improvements recently, but look to do more. One of our greatest needs is for firefighter protection. These sets of specialized gear can easily cost $2,000 or more each, for even the most basic equipment. We applied for a cost-sharing grant from the Department of Homeland Security to help offset some of those costs. We were recently notified that we were declined on that application, so we are actively looking for some local businesses or individuals that might partner with us on that purchase."

Fire Chief Bill Smith noted that without the support of the community, there wouldn't be a local fire department.

"It takes time, work and money. We have individuals that give well in excess of what their subscription fees would normally be. We appreciate the support of so many that give, be it a lot or a little."

To make a donation or for information about volunteering, contact Smith at (417) 966-7242.