FRANKFORT, Ind. (August 26, 2025) — Homeowners within the Frankfort Fire Department’s coverage area are experiencing significant savings on their insurance premiums, a direct result of the department’s superior performance. The Frankfort Fire Department has achieved a category 4 protection class rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), an evaluation that directly influences insurance costs.
The ISO protection class rating system ranges from 1 (most protected) to 10 (unprotected). This favorable rating reflects the department’s outstanding response times, advanced firefighting equipment, and rigorous training programs.
Conservatively estimated, citizens in the department’s fire coverage territory are saving $2,900,000 annually in insurance premiums due to this ISO protection class rating. The department highlights this annual saving as an extraordinary return on investment when measured against its operating budget, offering both financial relief and enhanced peace of mind.
“Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the safety of our community,” said Frankfort Fire Department Chief Matt Stidham. “We’re proud that our efforts not only protect lives and property but also help reduce costs for our residents”.
Looking ahead, the Frankfort Fire Department is requesting staffing increases for budget years 2026 and 2027 from the Frankfort City Council. This request is crucial for safely staffing a new station that the City of Frankfort decided to construct. Chief Stidham emphasized that adequate staffing is essential for both community and firefighter safety, and for residents to continue benefiting from reduced insurance premiums.
He warned that if the department cannot safely and adequately staff the new station, its ISO rating will “most assuredly be reduced,” which would likely lead to an increase in insurance rates. According to Stidham, these increased insurance costs would “far exceed the increase we are asking for in our annual budget”.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to understand how these ratings specifically impact their premiums.
