Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department boosts Insurance Services Office rating

Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department is holding a grand opening for its Station 2 Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department is holding a grand opening for its Station 2 Friday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.
photo Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department member David Ratledge removes four-wheel vehicles from his Conley Wrecker rollback to go fight the Walden's Ridge fire located above the Falling Water community on Tuesday.

Members of the Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday honored the Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department for becoming the only volunteer department in Tennessee to earn an ISO rating of 2, the second-highest rating possible.

Commissioner Greg Martin made a presentation to Fire Chief Marcus Fritts and Mitch McClure, complete with commendation plaque.

The Insurance Services Office rates fire departments based on training, water supply, dispatch, community support and other factors. High-quality service typically means residents and businesses save money on insurance.

Martin said the 2 rating means "significant savings for the people in our community, not on their tax bill but on their homeowners insurance."

Fritts thanked commissioners for providing the department a building last year and said that helped it earn a high rating. He noted the pace of growth in the department's service area creates pressure on the all-volunteer department.

photo Dallas Bay Volunteer Fire Department member David Ratledge removes four-wheel vehicles from his Conley Wrecker rollback to go fight the Walden's Ridge fire located above the Falling Water community on Tuesday.

"These cities are growing as fast as they can; we've got to stay ahead of them," he said.

McClure, who formerly served on the county commission, said 500 homes are under construction in Dallas Bay's service area.

He thanked commissioners for their support, too. The commission provides annual financial stipends to county volunteer departments.

McClure said Dallas Bay got $67,000 last year and answered 1,933 calls.

"That's a pretty good return on your investment," he said.

Upcoming Events