Wyckoff October 31, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 13 Fire department earns excellent safety rating by John Koster The Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department has earned a Class 3 ISO Public Protection Rating, the top rating available to all-volunteer fire departments. This rating, which is issued by the Insurance Services Office, brings with it a potential saving in insurance premiums. “A rating of 1 is considered the best, while a 10 indicates no recognized protection,” said Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Chief Michael P. Rose. “A Class 3 rating for a fire department staffed by all volunteers is considered excellent. Wyckoff is one of only 63 career and/or volunteer fire departments in New Jersey to have earned a Class 3 or better rating.” Wyckoff Township Committeeman Rudy Boonstra, who has been a volunteer fireman in Wyckoff since 1968, said, “I have known for some time, and have always said, that Wyckoff has one of the top volunteer fire departments The Wyckoff Coldwell Banker Real Estate Office is sponsoring ‘Wyckoff Cash Mob,’ a social networking blitz to encourage the public to take a closer look at local merchants. Each Thursday from now through the end of 2012, the community is encouraged to support local businesses by spending a few dollars at each of three preselected businesses. Recent selections included The Good China Gift Shop, Angel Tips Nail Salon & Spa, and Abma’s Family Farm Market. To see where the next cash mob will hit, visit www.wyckoffcashmob.com weekly. Visit Facebook ‘Wyckoff Cash Mob’ or the Coldwell Banker Real Estate office located at 372 Franklin Avenue in Wyckoff (201891-6700). Neither Wyckoff Cash Mob nor Coldwell Banker will generate any income from this promotion. ‘Cash Mob’ hits Township of Wyckoff in the state, and this rating, which is about the highest available to a volunteer company, confirms that belief. I also believe that the annual competitive inspections are part of the process, and I don’t know of any other company that conducts annual competitive inspections (among) volunteer companies. The caliber of the inspectors speaks very well of the high caliber of the volunteers and the amount of time they put in.” The rating came from the Insurance Services Office, which conducts a survey through its Public Protection Classification System. In turn, the high rating determines premiums for insurance policies, which can reduce the cost of insurance to the municipal taxpayers. In the entire nation, only 1,998 fire departments out of 47,648 evaluated achieve a Class 3 rating. The evaluations take place every 10 years. The Wyckoff Township Committee commended Chief Rose and his team for providing data on such matters as the fire department’s ability to respond to working structure fires, firematics training in fire suppression and rescue work, and inspection of fire hydrants. “It takes a lot of work to do this,” said Larry Rauch, coordinator of safety programs at the Bergen County Fire Academy. “The Wyckoff department has always been a leader and not a follower. Chief Mike Rose sets his sights high and always reaches his goal.” Chief Rose added, “The Class 3 rating is a very difficult rating for a volunteer department to receive, and it is truly a recognition that we received because of the outstanding group of volunteers that make up our department. Through continued training and honing of skills, this rating recognizes our level of preparedness to serve our neighbors during their time of need. With the continued support of our township officials and a strong level of volunteerism, we strive to deliver the highest level of professional firefighters to the residents of Wyckoff and a safe work environment for our volunteers.”