The ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating, also known as the Public Protection Classification (PPC), is a national benchmark that evaluates a fire department's overall ability to protect its community. Departments are rated on a scale of Class 1 to Class 10, with Class 1 being the highest and Class 10 indicating minimal fire protection services.

To determine this rating, ISO assesses multiple factors, including:

• Fire Department Operations: Equipment, staffing, training, and deployment.

• Water Supply: The availability and reliability of hydrants and water systems.

• Emergency Communications: The efficiency of 911 dispatch systems.

• Community Risk Reduction: Fire prevention, public education, and fire safety programs.

Our Class 2 rating signifies an exceptional level of service and places Varna in an elite group of approximately 2,000 departments out of nearly 38,000 nationwide. Within New York State, fewer than 5% of fire departments hold this distinction, and most of these are career or combination organizations. Remarkably, we achieved this as a fully volunteer fire department.

1. Enhanced Fire Protection:
   This rating reflects our commitment to providing the best possible emergency services to protect lives and property in Varna, Ellis Hollow, and the surrounding areas where we provide mutual aid in the Town of Dryden.

2. Potential Insurance Savings:
   A better ISO rating can translate into reduced homeowners’ insurance premiums. Check with your insurance provider to see how this may benefit you.

3. Pride in Community Excellence:
   The Class 2 rating is a direct result of years of hard work, training, and collaboration. It highlights the dedication of our volunteers and the strength of our partnerships with mutual aid agencies, Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response, and the Town of Dryden Codes Enforcement Office.