During a ceremony Thursday at Assembly Hall, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey announced that the Village of Pinehurst Fire Department completed its routine inspection and improved its North Carolina Response Rating System (NCRRS).
The improved ratings, which go into effect on June 1 includes the Pinehurst and Taylortown municipal fire districts and Longleaf rural district. Pinehurst received a rating of 2, while Taylortown and Longleaf received a 3/9E NCRRS rating.
Members of Village Council were on hand to applaud the successful rating.
“Thanks to all you in uniform, said Mayor John Strickland. “We know how important this rating is and we thank you for your hard work.”
The required inspection is conducted by officials with the Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Among other things, the routine inspections look for proper staffing levels, sufficient equipment, proper maintenance of equipment, communications capabilities and availability of a water source.
“I’d like to congratulate Chief Cole for the department’s performance and for the hard work of all the department members,” said Commissioner Causey. “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.”
The NCRRS rating system ranges from one (highest) to 10 (not recognized as a certified fire department by the state), with most rural departments falling into the 9E category. While lower ratings do not necessarily indicate poor service, a higher rating does suggest that a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district. Higher ratings can also significantly lower homeowners insurance rates in that fire district.
“This improved rating is a direct reflection of the teamwork required to provide fire protection services to our community,” said Chief Cole.
State law requires OSFM officials to inspect departments serving districts of 100,000 people or less, which makes up all but twelve of the state’s fire districts.
For more information on the Village of Pinehurst Fire Department, visit vopnc.org or call 910-295-5575.
Feature photo: North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey presents members of the Village of Pinehurst Fire Department with its improved rating.
Courtesy photo/Contribtued.
