BY DONNA SWICEGOOD
Shepherds Fire-Rescue recently earned an upgrade in its fire insurance rating following an inspection by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Shepherds’ N.C. Response Rating System rating is now a 4/9E. That means property located within five miles of any of the department’s four stations qualifies for lower fire insurance. The rating system ranges from 1 (best) to 10.
The new rating took effect on June 1.
Most rural fire departments fall within the 9S rating, said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor.
The new rating, said Shepherds Fire-Rescue Chief Kelly Robinson, also applies to the newly acquired station on Bethesda Road and the substation on Ostwalt-Amity Road. Those stations were formerly part of the Wayside Fire Department, which was absorbed by Shepherds as a result of staffing issues.
The previous rating for Wayside was a 5/9 split, meaning any property located more than five miles from the fire department was rated as a 9.
The rating change came about as a result of a routine inspection, which includes a variety of factors such as staffing levels, communications capabilities, equipment, maintenance of equipment and availability of a water source. An inspection is required on a regular basis as part of the NCRRS.
Robinson said the improved rating is a major accomplishment for Shepherds Fire-Rescue and will result in lower homeowner’s insurance premiums in its district.
The inspection results speak to the dedication and training Shepherds’ members commit to everyday, Robinson added.
Lake Norman, Mooresville, Mount Mourne, South Iredell and Troutman fire departments and others were a part of that success, he explained, and the Iredell County Fire Marshal’s Office, Iredell Emergency Communications and the N.C. Department of Insurance were also vital partners in this accomplishment.
”I’d like to congratulate Chief Robinson for the department’s performance and for the hard work of all the department members,” said N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey.
Taylor also offered his congratulations to Shepherds.
“The residents of Shepherds fire district can take comfort in knowing this highly capable team of firefighters from Shepherds Fire-Rescue, Inc. is safeguarding them and their belongings in the event of an emergency,” he said.