Fire/Rescue aiming for No. 1 ISO spot

Jan. 29—THOMASVILLE — Thomasville Fire/Rescue (TFR) is a No. 2 in the world of firefighting, according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). No. 1 is where TFR wants to be.

An ISO rating determines the cost of fire insurance premiums for commercial and residential structures, said TFR Chief Tim Connell.

"With an aging fleet, TFR must begin replacing fire apparatuses reaching the end of life for front line use and to maintain the current ISO rating of 2," Connell said.

The end of life as required by ISO standards is 20 years of life for front line use, with five more years until they have to be taken completely out of service.

Connell said TFR has two fire apparatuses that will be at the end of their life within three years, adding that fire apparatuses are costly pieces of equipment necessary to safely serve the community during fire emergencies.

City council approved a resolution that allows TFR to apply for a grant that will greatly relieve the city's financial burden when replacing the units.

The grant application will be submitted to the Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for assistance with 2022 funding to replace one of TFR's aging fire apparatuses, the Sutphen 2001.

If awarded, the grant can provide up to $1 million in funding assistance for the 2022 purchase. The grant requires a 5% match not to exceed $48,000. The value of a trade-in can be used as part of the matching funds, Connell said.

If awarded, grant funding would assist with the purchase of a Quint fire apparatus with a 75-foot ladder to replace one now in service. The purchase of the new Quint will allow the fleet to have a second Quint in service and to work toward improving ISO points for the city.

"Our goal is not to be just a 1, but a high 1," Connell said.

The price of the new fire apparatus will not be known until specifications are completed, and the fire apparatus is put to bid.

"TFR's maintenance and liability expenditures are greatly reduced with the use of newer vehicles," the chief said.

TFR's 2001 Sutphen is approaching its end of life for use as required by ISO standards, Connell said.

"Removing the Sutphen from TFR's fleet reduces costly expenditures of maintenance and repairs," he said.

Applicants are scheduled to receive grant award notifications in May.

If awarded, the city will have 24 months to complete the purchase of the new vehicle. Matching funds would be requested in the FY2022 city budget.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820

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