Residents within the Frankfort Fire Department coverage area are enjoying notable savings on their insurance premiums, attributed to the exemplary performance of the department. The combination of quick response times, state-of-the-art firefighting equipment, and comprehensive training programs has resulted in a fire protection rating that directly benefits the local community.
Insurance companies typically evaluate premiums based on community fire protection services. Frankfort Fire Chief Matt Stidham says recently, the Frankfort Fire Department achieved a category 4 protection class rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), underscoring its dedication to safety and operational efficiency. The ISO uses a rating scale from 1, representing the highest level of protection, to 10, denoting a lack of protection. With this rating, the Frankfort Fire Department conservatively estimates that homeowners in its coverage area save approximately $2.9 million annually on insurance premiums.
This significant savings compared to the department’s annual operating budget illustrates a strong return on investment, providing financial relief and enhancing community safety. Chief Matt Stidham of the Frankfort Fire Department stated, “Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community. We’re proud that our efforts not only protect lives and property but also help reduce costs for our residents. It is vital for the residents of our coverage area to understand this information.”
He also emphasized the importance of increasing staffing for budget years 2026 and 2027 to support the new fire station, recently approved by the City of Frankfort. Adequate staffing is crucial not only for maintaining safety but also for preserving the current insurance premium benefits associated with the Fire Department’s ISO rating. Stidham warned that failure to staff the new station properly could lead to a downgrade in the ISO rating, ultimately resulting in higher insurance rates for residents. Homeowners are encouraged to reach out to their insurance providers to understand the implications of these ratings on their premiums. For more details about the Frankfort Fire Department and its services, please visit www.frankfort-in.gov or contact the department at 765-654-4329.