Officials hope it will bring business

For the last three years, firefighters with the Sanford Fire Department have worked tirelessly to receive a better Insurance Service Office ranking, and last week, Fire Chief James Adams learned their hard work had paid off.

Adams said SFD’s ranking improved from 9/10 to a 6/6x, a mark that will have a direct effect on the insurance rates in the area.

ISO monitors fire departments’ abilities to respond to emergencies, as well as infrastructure, water departments and many other agencies that factor into an area’s overall safety.

ISO then rates the overall safety of an area on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the safest and 10 being the most unsafe.

The lower a scare, the lower insurance rates typically are for home and business owners in the area.

Adams said the fire department has worked diligently the last three years to get more training.

“We bought apparatus that we needed and did the proper paperwork,” he said.

Adams was quick to give credit to his 10 fire fighters.

“They have worked hard and it wouldn’t have been possible without their dedication,” he said.

So far this year, Adams said they have responded to 37-38 calls.

Adams said he hopes the improved ISO rating will help Sanford grow.

The town is home to some 241 residents, and JM Jackson Buick-Chevrolet, Sitel, South Alabama Regional Airport, and more.

Covington County Economic Development President Rick Clifton said that lower ISO ratings help in a lot of ways.

“First, it I should have an effect on insurance premiums,” he said. “Lower premiums will help our local businesses cut costs and help on recruiting new business. It also shows that your fire department is doing what it can to be up to date to do what they it can to protect your area.

“I know they have worked hard on this,” Clifton said. “They are to be commended on what they have done. It takes a lot of work and is a continuing effort. It just sets a positive tone for the community.”