Van Wert FD maintains ISO rating

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Fire Department has received its latest evaluation from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and is pleased to announce it has maintained its ISO Class 3 rating while continuing to make measurable progress toward a Class 2 designation.

The department’s score increased from 73.62 to 74.22. Van Wert Fire Chief Jon Jones said while the increase may appear modest, the ISO grading system is highly detailed and competitive, and even small gains represent meaningful improvements in training, staffing, and overall service delivery.

ISO ratings serve as a national benchmark for fire protection and can directly influence insurance premiums for residents and businesses. Only about five to six percent of fire departments nationwide hold a Class 3 rating, while approximately three percent achieve a Class 2 rating.

“This is a strong reflection of where our department stands today and where we’re headed,” Chief Jones said. “Maintaining a Class 3 rating while continuing to improve shows the commitment of our firefighters and the impact of the City’s investment in staffing, training, and equipment. We are building toward Class 2 in a very deliberate and sustainable way.”

Jones said several recent initiatives have positioned the department for continued improvement.

A key component is the addition of a three story training tower, which allows firefighters to conduct realistic, multi level training evolutions. ISO places significant emphasis on this type of hands on training. The tower strengthens operational readiness by preparing crews for real world conditions. The project was a collaborative effort between Vantage Career Center and the City of Van Wert, demonstrating a strong partnership that supports both emergency services and workforce development.

Jones also said the addition of a deputy chief has enhanced both training and community risk reduction efforts. This role provides focused oversight of department training to ensure consistency, documentation, and alignment with ISO standards. At the same time, it strengthens the fire inspection program, allowing for a more proactive approach to identifying and reducing risks throughout the community.

The city’s support in adding one firefighter per shift has also improved response capability. Increasing staffing allows for more personnel to respond on the initial alarm, which is a critical factor in both ISO scoring and effective fireground operations. This improvement enhances service delivery while increasing safety for both firefighters and the public.

According to Jones, the Van Wert Fire Department will continue building on this progress with the goal of achieving an ISO Class 2 rating in the future.