Macon-Bibb County Fire Department maintains its Class 1 ISO Standing

The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department is the only one in Middle Georgia to hold the Class 1 Classification.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department announced its newest rating in the Public Protection Classification Report on Wednesday.

Fire Chief Shane Edwards said the fire department maintained its Class 1 Standing.

“We are one of 60 plus departments throughout the U.S. that are able to withhold this,” he said. “And you’ve got to remember, Macon-Bibb County was sixth in the U.S. to obtain that rating back in 1984.”

Fire Chief Edwards said other departments across the county played a role in helping them hold the standing, including the Macon Water Authority (MWA).

“We make up 40% of the chief’s scores,” MWA Executive Director Ron Shipman said. “And, how we do that it’s simply based on the adequacy of water supply. So when the chief needs it in an emergency, we’ve got to make sure that it is there and it is to be delivered.”

Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Chairman Robert Fountain shared how this Class 1 Standing can entice businesses to the area.

“For us in industrial recruitment, it means everything,” he said. “It’s a huge tool, and the negotiating power it gives us with big companies like Irving Tissue, when we have that ISO rating of number 1, that saves that company a lot of money.”

Dr. Keith Moffett, the county manager who spoke on behalf of Macon-Bibb County Mayor Lester Miller, explained how the Class 1 Designation affects everyone who calls for help.

“One of the reasons why that return on investments is number one is because it directly affects your fire insurance,” he said. “But again, that return on investment is if you have a fire like the one with this smoke coming out of your house and you dial 911, you know you’re going to have the best trained people showing up on the scene to protect your property.”