SW Polk Fire District

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News Release

SW Polk Fire District Receives Improved ISO Rating; Future Reductions In Staffing Could Jeopardize Gains - 05/21/26

Today, the SW Polk Fire District received notice that effective September 1, 2026, the district’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating will improve from a Class 5/10 to a Class 4/10. This improvement reflects the dedication, training, operational readiness, and service capabilities provided by district personnel and resources made possible through the voter-approved 2022 levy.

An improved ISO rating is significant for property owners within the district because it is commonly used by insurance companies when calculating property insurance premiums. In many cases, a lower ISO classification can result in reduced insurance costs for homeowners and businesses located within the district’s response area.

Importantly, this improved classification is directly tied to service enhancements and operational improvements made possible through the district’s previous voter-approved levy. Investments in staffing, firefighter training, apparatus readiness, response capability, and station operations all contributed to the district achieving the higher ISO rating.

“This improved rating is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our firefighters, staff, and community investment in fire protection services,” said Fred Hertel. “The previous levy allowed the district to make meaningful improvements to emergency response capabilities and operational readiness, which played a major role in achieving this better classification for our community.”

However, district leadership cautions that maintaining this improved classification depends heavily on sustaining operational staffing levels and response capabilities.

As outlined in the district’s recent communications regarding the failure of Levy 27-148, SW Polk Fire District is preparing for staffing reductions, longer emergency response times, and the unstaffing of the Bridgeport Fire Station effective June 30, 2026. These reductions come at a time when the district is entering increasingly demanding wildfire seasons and continuing to experience growing service expectations.

The district also warns that reductions in staffing and service levels may negatively impact future ISO evaluations and could ultimately result in the reversal of the improved rating if emergency response capabilities decline below current standards.

“ISO ratings are built on measurable emergency service capabilities,” Chief Hertel said. “When staffing decreases, stations become unstaffed, and response times increase, those changes can affect the level of fire protection available to the community. Maintaining this improved rating will require maintaining the resources that helped us achieve it.”

SW Polk Fire District remains committed to providing the highest level of emergency services possible while responsibly managing taxpayer resources and adapting to the financial realities facing the district.

SW Polk Fire District Receives Improved ISO Rating; Future Reductions In Staffing Could Jeopardize Gains - 05/21/26

Today, the SW Polk Fire District received notice that effective September 1, 2026, the district’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification rating will improve from a Class 5/10 to a Class 4/10. This improvement reflects the dedication, training, operational readiness, and service capabilities provided by district personnel and resources made possible through the voter-approved 2022 levy.

An improved ISO rating is significant for property owners within the district because it is commonly used by insurance companies when calculating property insurance premiums. In many cases, a lower ISO classification can result in reduced insurance costs for homeowners and businesses located within the district’s response area.

Importantly, this improved classification is directly tied to service enhancements and operational improvements made possible through the district’s previous voter-approved levy. Investments in staffing, firefighter training, apparatus readiness, response capability, and station operations all contributed to the district achieving the higher ISO rating.

“This improved rating is a direct reflection of the hard work and commitment of our firefighters, staff, and community investment in fire protection services,” said Fred Hertel. “The previous levy allowed the district to make meaningful improvements to emergency response capabilities and operational readiness, which played a major role in achieving this better classification for our community.”

However, district leadership cautions that maintaining this improved classification depends heavily on sustaining operational staffing levels and response capabilities.

As outlined in the district’s recent communications regarding the failure of Levy 27-148, SW Polk Fire District is preparing for staffing reductions, longer emergency response times, and the unstaffing of the Bridgeport Fire Station effective June 30, 2026. These reductions come at a time when the district is entering increasingly demanding wildfire seasons and continuing to experience growing service expectations.

The district also warns that reductions in staffing and service levels may negatively impact future ISO evaluations and could ultimately result in the reversal of the improved rating if emergency response capabilities decline below current standards.

“ISO ratings are built on measurable emergency service capabilities,” Chief Hertel said. “When staffing decreases, stations become unstaffed, and response times increase, those changes can affect the level of fire protection available to the community. Maintaining this improved rating will require maintaining the resources that helped us achieve it.”

SW Polk Fire District remains committed to providing the highest level of emergency services possible while responsibly managing taxpayer resources and adapting to the financial realities facing the district.