The Eastwood Fire Department received a 5/9E high inspection rating Aug. 27 from the state.
The inspection was conducted by the North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey as required by the North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS).
Staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of water are included in the routine inspections. The NCRRS rating system ranges from one (highest) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state). Rural departments have an average rating of 9S.
Lower scores do not indicate poor service, and a higher rating does not indicate it is better equipped.
Higher ratings can “significantly” lower homeowners’ insurance.
“I’d like to congratulate Chief Bullard for the department’s performance and for the hard work of all the department members,” Commissioner Causey said, “The citizens in the Town of these districts should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency.”
Article by Sandhills Sentinel Journalism Intern Stephanie M. Sellers.
Courtesy photo.
