Madison Fire and Rescue Department has earned the outstanding Class 1 rating by Insurance Services Office (ISO). Firefighters, shown here, stand at attention with Fire Chief Ralph Cobb leading the group. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Madison Fire & Rescue Department has earned a prestigious ranking that only one other department in Alabama can claim.

Madison Fire and Rescue has been awarded a Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The ISO organization independently evaluates municipal fire protection efforts in communities throughout the United States.

Ralph Cobb serves as Fire Chief in Madison.

Madison is only one of two fire departments in the State of Alabama to achieve this ISO distinction. Additionally, the Madison department is one of 133 departments nationally to achieve this classification out of the approximately 49,000 fire districts that ISO evaluates.

“This classification is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our personnel, our city leaders and our community,” Capt. Russ Kennington said. Kennington serves as Community Relations Officer for the Madison department. “With the new ISO Rating, Madison Fire and Rescue joins the nation’s elite.”

The Class 1 rating is the highest possible score that any fire department nationwide can receive. Insurance companies use ISO information combined with other factors to establish local commercial business and residential property insurance rates.

Generally, insurance agencies offer lower premiums in communities with better protection. “With the new Class 1 rating, Madison residents and businesses should enjoy the lowest fire insurance rating in the industry,” Kennington said.

The ISO ratings process involves periodic, detailed analysis of all fire department equipment and operations, the city’s water system and the emergency 911 communications system.

“The program provides an objective nationwide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, training and ultimately providing the highest level of service to their respective communities,” Kennington said.

Madison Fire Station 1 is located at 101 Mill Road. To contact the department, call 256-772-3326 or visit www.madisonal.gov.