Carrboro's Fire-Rescue Department is now among the elite in fire protection, securing a Class 1 Public Protection Classification (PPC) for the town and a Class 2/9E for the South Orange Fire District. The new ratings, which signal the department's heightened fire protection capabilities, will take effect on October 1, as reported by the Town of Carrboro in a recent news release.
Achieving a Class 1 rating signifies that Carrboro possesses a superior level of fire protection. Residents and businesses could see a reduction in insurance premiums, a benefit not to be taken lightly. According to the Town of Carrboro, Chief Will Potter has extended his praises, acknowledging both the department's service and community leadership's role in this success.
"This distinguished rating is a direct result of the exemplary service and unwavering dedication of Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department personnel," Chief Potter told the Town of Carrboro. He emphasized the critical support and strategic planning in public safety from both the Town Council and the Town Manager’s Office which was fundamental for achieving such status.
Patrice Toney, Carrboro's Town Manager, lauded the department's professionalism and the collective commitment to public safety investment that led to this accomplishment. "Earning a Class 1 rating reflects not only the excellence of our firefighters but also our community’s commitment to investing in public safety," Toney commented, expressing gratitude towards Chief Potter's team as well as the Town Council for their efforts in protecting the town, as per the Town of Carrboro.
The accolade was formally acknowledged during a ceremony on August 13, where Brian Cox, from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, praised the department. State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor also added his congratulations, remarking on Carrboro Fire Department’s commendable performance, as described in details shared by the Town of Carrboro. “The residents of Carrboro and the South Orange Fire District can take comfort in knowing this highly capable team of firefighters from the Carrboro Fire Department is safeguarding them and their belongings in the event of an emergency,” Taylor added.
These ratings come post a comprehensive inspection by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), a part of the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS), which assesses fire departments based on various performance metrics including staffing, equipment, and water source availability.
