Hattiesburg, Mississippi – Mayor Toby Barker joined Fire Chief Sherrocko Stewart this morning to announce that the City of Hattiesburg and Hattiesburg Fire Department has maintained its Class 4 Fire Rating, a rating provided by the Mississippi State Rating Bureau that represents the strength of the city’s firefighting capacity.

“There is no greater role for government than to provide essential services that keep our citizens safe,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “I am proud of the work and effort that has contributed to the maintenance of this Class 4 Rating, and I look forward to working with Chief Stewart to work toward a Class 3.”

The rating has a direct impact on property insurance rates paid for by homeowners and business owners, and is provided through an extensive analysis of the fire department as a whole, the community’s water supply, emergency communication capabilities, fire prevention codes, fire safety education programs and fire investigation abilities. They also audit the department’s manpower numbers, organizational structure, response time, training, trucks, the housing of equipment, record keeping and response distance.

“A lot of work went into maintaining our Class 4 Rating, and we are proud that the Bureau recognizes the progress that we have made since the last assessment in 2011,” said Chief Stewart. “However, we will continue to strive for a Class 3 Rating by diligently improving our policies and procedures, along with our manpower numbers.”

Stewart added that applications for the 2019 Fire Academy are currently available online at hattiesburgms.com or by visiting the City’s Human Resources department located in City Hall (200 Forrest Street).