The New Mexico State University Fire Department ranks in the top of the class. Following a recent Public Protection Classification survey from Insurance Services Office, NMSU received a rating of 3/3X, which is among the top five percent in the nation.
In addition to NMSU achieving a high benchmark on the report card, the outstanding rating plays a significant role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. Because of the 3/3X result, residential, commercial and industrial properties may qualify for lower insurance rates.
“Our new rating rewards our efforts in risk reduction and continued efforts in making our community safer for students, faculty, staff and visitors,” NMSU Fire Chief Johnny Carrillo said. “This is a combined effort of not just the fire department, but of the whole university.”
According to data from 2008, only nine fire departments in the state of New Mexico received a score of three or better. Nationally, NMSU ranks in the top 750 of 14,000 departments.
Previously, NMSU was surveyed in 1984 and received a 5/9 rating.
The total score is based on a fire department’s response capability, water supply and emergency reporting. Carrillo said NMSU has worked to improve many areas that affect the department’s ability to keep the campus safe.
The NMSU Fire Department began in 1921, and it is one of the few departments in the nation with student firefighters. Currently, NMSU has 14 student firefighters that work shifts from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. with two full-time firefighters that cover the day shift while students attend classes. NMSU has both a truck company and an engine company. Because of NMSU’s training, the student firefighters meet the national standards, which would allow them to work for any department across the county.
For more information visit www.fire.nmsu.edu.