Lakewood Fire Department among the Top Fire Departments in the Nation
Contact insurance brokers or providers to discuss potential reductions in property insurance premiums
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr announced that effective November 1, 2024, the Lakewood Fire District will achieve a significant improvement in its Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating, moving from a rating of a Class 5 to a Class 3 rating (Class 1 is the highest rating; Class 10 is the lowest). The independent ISO rating system is the nation’s preeminent indicator of a Fire Department’s effectiveness.
This rating places the Lakewood Fire Department among the top fire departments in the nation, reflecting its ongoing commitment in providing exceptional fire protection services to the community; and confirms the Lakewood Fire Department’s superior service, quicker response times, and comprehensive fire prevention strategies.
Chief Yahr said he attributes this accomplishment to the department’s dedicated team and the community’s ongoing support. “This reclassification is the result of years of hard work and a commitment to excellence. It reflects not only the capabilities of our firefighters but also the investment our community has made in fire protection infrastructure and resources.”
In recent years, the Lakewood Fire Department has substantially increased its numbers of full-time career firefighters; enhanced its equipment and training; improved its administrative and communication systems; updated its fleet; and instituted a number of innovative community outreach programs.
An improved ISO rating often translates to lower insurance rates, which can result in substantial savings for property owners. A better ISO rating, a key factor for insurance companies to calculate premiums in individual municipalities, is also expected to reduce home insurance costs for Lakewood’s property owners. The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners encourages all homeowners and business owners to contact their insurance brokers or providers to discuss potential reductions in their property insurance premiums.
The Board of Fire Commissioners and Chief Yahr extend their gratitude to Mayor Ray Coles; Township Committeeman and Emergency Services Liaison Meir Lichtenstein; and the entire Township Committee, local businesses, and the whole community for their support, which has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.
For more information about the ISO rating or to learn more about fire safety and prevention, visit www.LakewoodFD.org. or contact Yehuda Beer, Fire District Administrator, at 732-364-5151.