An organization consisting of approximately 10,000 firefighters, both volunteer and paid, from nearly 500 different fire companies throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With offices in Arnold, Pennsylvania, we hold meetings monthly throughout the western part of the state to discuss issues which are affecting the fire service.
The object of the Association shall be for the general improvement of the fire service throughout the state; to provide protection to disabled fire fighters and to those dependent upon, through legislation enactment; to open discussion upon the best manner and means for the fighting of fires and public fire safety education; to promote the organization of fire companies and fire departments in communities in need of such protection and encourage a fraternal friendship among fire fighters.
BC3, in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and Pennsylvania Department of Health, is proud of its reputation for delivering quality education and training programs to Western Pennsylvania Fire Fighters, EMS, HazMat, and Police Professionals. Fire, Police, EMS, & Hazmat Training
The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable tools, resources, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. In addition, the NVFC administers key programs including the Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program, National Junior Firefighter Program, and Fire Corps.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has been helping to solve some of the planet’s toughest safety problems for more than 125 years. To remain relevant for over a century as a knowledge and information organization, we’ve continually evolved our scope of expertise—from fire prevention, wildfire preparedness, and electrical safety to hazardous materials, community risk reduction, and public safety.
The U.S. Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to remember America’s fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the tax-exempt, 501(c)3 nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor our fallen fire heroes and assist their families and co-workers.
City of Aliquippa – Station 91 Chief David Foringer 1499 Kennedy Blvd Aliquippa, PA 15001
Ambridge Borough – Station 71 Chief Don Larrick 600 11th Street Ambridge, PA 15003
Baden Borough – Station 47 Chief Dennis Baker, Jr. 47 Firehouse Lane Baden, PA 15005
Beaver Borough – Station 101 Chief Dave Meers 165 Market Street Beaver, PA 15009
City of Beaver Falls – Station 11 Chief Mark Stowe 715 15th Street Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Big Beaver Borough – Station 14 Chief Adam Crepp 621 Freindship Road Darlington, PA 16115
Big Knob – Station 26 Chief John Murtha 1229 Route 989 Rochester, PA 15074
Bridgewater Borough – Station 28 Chief Charles D. Bates 619 Market Street Bridgerwater, PA 15009
Brighton Township – Station 63 Chief Mitchell Curtaccio Station 1 1120 Dutch Ridge Road Beaver, PA 15009 Station 2 2295 Tuscarawas Road Beaver, PA 15009 Station 3 84 Grange Road Beaver, PA 15009
Center Township Chief William Brucker Station 36 3385 Brodhead Road Aliquippa, PA 15001 Station 37 108 Grandview Ave Monaca, PA 15061 Station 38 110 Van Kirk Road Monaca, PA 15061
Chippewa Township – Station 22 Chief David Syka 2568 Darlington Road Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Conway Borough – Station 49 Chief Daniel Byrne 900 S Gross Street Conway, PA 15027
Darlington Township – Station 18 Chief Chris Laderer 3590 Darlington Road Darlington, PA 16115
Daugherty Township – Station 86 Chief Justin Stone 4198 Marion Hill Road New Brighton, PA 15066
Economy Borough – Station 69 Chief Ted Brickner Station 1 3304 Conway Wallrose Road Sewickley, PA 15143 Station 2 2430 Ridge Road Ext Ambridge, PA 15003 Station 3 1215 Conway Wallrose Road Freedom, PA 15042
Ellwood City Borough – Station 2300 Chief Rick Myers 411 6th Street Ellwood City, PA 16117
Franklin Township – Station 70 Chief Steven J. Bailey Station 1 808 Old Zelienople Road Ellwood City, PA 16117 Station 2 897 Zelienople Rd Fombell, PA 16123
Freedom Borough – Station 27 Chief Harry Gilarno 901 3rd Avenue Freedom, PA 15042
Hanover Township – Station 68 Chief DJ Miller 2697 State Route 18 Hookstown, PA 15050
Harmony Township – Station 48 Chief Patrick Shearer 2400 Beaver Road Ambridge, PA 15003
Homewood Borough – Station 19 Chief Alan Desanzo 464 Main Street Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Hookstown Borough – Station 60 Chief Trevor Torrence 120 Sliver Slipper Road Hookstown, PA 15050
Hopewell Township – Station 92 Chief Jon Cochran Station 1 2260 Brodhead Road Aliquippa, PA 15001 Station 2 1401 Gringo Road Aliquippa, PA 15001
Independence Township – Station 80 Chief Jeri New 116 School Road Aliquippa, PA 15001
Industry Borough – Station 97 Chief Jack Balser Sr. 1640 Midland Beaver Road Industry, PA 15052
Koppel Borough – Station 17 Chief Devon Price 5525 5th Avenue Koppel, PA 16136
Midland Borough – Station 95 Chief Joseph Ditri 936 Midland Avenue Midland, PA 16136
Monaca Borough – Station 56 Chief Mike Siegel 928 Pennsylvania Ave Monaca, PA 15061
New Brighton Borough – Station 84 Chief Paul Bock 610 3rd Ave New Brighton, PA 15066
North Sewickley – Station 13 Chief Mark Sutherland Station 1 887 Mercer Road Beaver Falls, PA 15010 Station 2 2400 Brighton Road Ellwood City, PA 16117
Ohioville Borough – Station 39 Chief Clarence Dawson 108 Salem Church Road Midland, PA 15059
Patterson Heights Borough – Station 33 Chief Jason Medlin 603 7th Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Patterson Township – Station 90 Chief Philip Graeser 319 Darlington Road Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Pine Run – Station 59 Chief Mike Priolo 1395 Harvey Run Road Freedom, PA 15042
Potter Township – Station 34 Chief Vicki Carlton 247 Mawry Road Monaca, PA 15061
Pulaski Township – Station 89 Chief Alan Hickey 3401 Sunflower Road New Brighton, PA 15066
Raccoon Township – Station 35 Chief Bert Failor 4061 Patterson Road Aliquippa, PA 15001
Rochester Fire Department – Station 23 Chief Mike Mamone III Station 1 632 California Avenue Rochester, PA 15074 Station 2 414 Lacock Street Rochester, PA 15074
Shippingport Borough – Station 96 Chief Bill Nelson 164 Route 3016 Shippingport, PA 15077
South Beaver Township – Station 61 Chief Keith Girting Jr. 740 State Route 168 Darlington, PA 16115
Vanport Township – Station 24 Chief Dave Diecks 435 Jefferson Avenue Vanport, PA 15009
West Mayfield Borough – Station 99 Chief Lou Little 706 37th Street Beaver Falls, PA 15010
White Township – Station 44 Chief Ray Evans 2512 13th Street Beaver Falls, PA 15010
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluates public fire-protection services and classifies a community’s ability to suppress fires.
The Public Protection Classification system provides an objective, national standard that helps fire departments in plan and budget for facilities, equipment and training. And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services. (Source: Mt. Lebanon FD)
The Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) is a manual containing the criteria we use in reviewing the fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities of individual communities or fire protection areas. The schedule measures the major elements of a community’s fire protection system and develops a numerical grading called a Public Protection Classification (PPC®).
Our FSRS employs nationally accepted standards developed by such organizations as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International. When those organizations update their standards, the evaluation changes as well. The PPC program always provides a useful benchmark that helps fire departments and other public officials measure the effectiveness of their efforts — and plan improvements.
How the FSRS works
The FSRS lists a large number of items (facilities and practices) that a community should have to fight fires effectively. The schedule is performance based and assigns credit points for each item. Using the credit points and various formulas, we calculate a total score on a scale of 0 to 105.5.
To receive certain PPC ratings, a community must meet minimum criteria. After a community meets those criteria, the PPC rating depends on the community’s score on the point scale. For more information, see:
Minimum Facilities and Practices to Get a PPC Rating
Minimum Criteria for Class 9
Minimum Criteria for Class 8B
Minimum Criteria for Class 8 or Better
Scores and PPC Ratings
The FSRS considers three main areas of a community’s fire suppression system: emergency communications, fire department (including operational considerations), and water supply. In addition, it includes a Community Risk Reduction section that recognizes community efforts to reduce losses through fire prevention, public fire safety education, and fire investigation.
Emergency communications
A maximum of 10 points of a community’s overall score is based on how well the fire department receives and dispatches fire alarms. Our field representatives evaluate:
the emergency reporting system
the communications center, including the number of telecommunicators
computer-aided dispatch (CAD) facilities
the dispatch circuits and how the center notifies firefighters about the location of the emergency
Fire department
A maximum of 50 points of the overall score is based on the fire department. We review the distribution of fire companies throughout the area and checks that the fire department tests its pumps regularly and inventories each engine and ladder company’s equipment according to NFPA 1901. We also review the fire company records to determine factors such as:
type and extent of training provided to fire company personnel
number of people who participate in training
firefighter response to emergencies
maintenance and testing of the fire department’s equipment
Water supply
A maximum of 40 points of the overall score is based on the community’s water supply. This part of the survey focuses on whether the community has sufficient water supply for fire suppression beyond daily maximum consumption. We survey all components of the water supply system. We also review fire hydrant inspections and frequency of flow testing. Finally, we count the number of fire hydrants that are no more than 1,000 feet from the representative locations.
Community risk reduction
The Community Risk Reduction section of the FSRS offers a maximum of 5.5 points, resulting in 105.5 total points available in the FSRS. The inclusion of this section for “extra points” allows recognition for those communities that employ effective fire prevention practices, without unduly affecting those who have not yet adopted such measures. The addition of Community Risk Reduction gives incentives to those communities who strive proactively to reduce fire severity through a structured program of fire prevention activities.
The areas of community risk reduction evaluated in this section include:
fire prevention
fire safety education
fire investigation
Obtaining the FSRS
The FSRS is available as a PDF:
2013 revised FSRS — $100
1980 FSRS — $100
Both 2013 and 1980 FSRS — $150
Fire chiefs can access a complimentary copy of the FSRS, by calling 1-800-444-4554 and selecting option 2.
For more information on any topic related to the Public Protection Classification (PPC®) program or the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule, Contact us, or call our mitigation specialists at 1-800-444-4554.
PPC Program
Find more information on this topic for: » Insurers
To help establish appropriate fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties, insurance companies need reliable, up-to-date information about a community’s fire-protection services. ISO provides that information through the Public Protection Classification (PPC®) program.
What is the PPC program?
We collect information on municipal fire-protection efforts in communities throughout the United States. In each of those communities, we analyze the relevant data using our Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). We then assign a Public Protection Classification from 1 to 10. Class 1 generally represents superior property fire protection, and Class 10 indicates that the area’s fire-suppression program doesn’t meet our minimum criteria.
By classifying communities’ ability to suppress fires, we help the communities evaluate their public fire-protection services. The program provides an objective, countrywide standard that helps fire departments in planning and budgeting for facilities, equipment, and training. And by securing lower fire insurance premiums for communities with better public protection, the PPC program provides incentives and rewards for communities that choose to improve their firefighting services.
We have extensive information on more than 40,000 fire-response jurisdictions.
How this website can help you
This website contains a wealth of information about the PPC program and the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). The website can also lead you to specific information about your community’s PPC code and what you can do to get a better code. Some of the technical information in the site is available to registered customers and fire officials only. Find out how to register.
For more information on any topic related to the Public Protection Classification (PPC®) program or the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule, Contact us, or call our mitigation specialists at 1-800-444-4554.
Items Considered in the FSRS
The Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) measures the major elements of a community’s fire protection system and develops a numerical grading called a Public Protection Classification (PPC®). Here’s an outline of the items considered in the FSRS and the weight of each item used in calculating a PPC rating.
Emergency communications
Emergency reporting: We will credit basic 9-1-1 or Enhanced 9-1-1. Other items evaluated include E9-1-1 wireless, voice over Internet>Protocol (VoIP), and computer-aided dispatch (CAD).
3 points
Telecommunicators: We credit the performance of the telecommunicators in accordance with the general criteria of NFPA 1221, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems. We also credit emergency dispatch protocols and the telecommunicators’ training and certification programs.
4 points
Dispatch circuits: We credit the number and type of dispatch circuits in accordance with the general criteria in NFPA 1221.
3 points
Emergency communications total: 10 points
Fire department
Engine companies: We compare the number of in-service pumpers and the equipment carried with the number of needed pumpers and the equipment identified in the FSRS. The number of needed engines depends on the basic fire flow, the size of the area served, and the method of operation.
6 points
Reserve pumpers: We evaluate the number of reserve pumpers and their pump capacity; other factors include hose and equipment carried.
0.5 points
Pump capacity: We compare the pump capacity of the in-service and reserve pumpers (and pumps on other apparatus) with the basic fire flow. We consider a maximum basic fire flow of 3,500 gpm.
3 points
Ladder/service companies: Communities use ladders, tools, and equipment normally carried on ladder trucks for ladder operations, as well as for forcible entry, utility shut-off, ventilation, salvage, overhaul, and lighting. The number and type of apparatus depend on the height of the buildings, needed fire flow, and size of the area served.
4 points
Reserve ladder/service trucks: We evaluate the number of reserve ladder/service trucks and the equipment they carry.
0.5 points
Deployment analysis: We credit the percentage of the community within specified response distances of pumpers (1.5 miles) and ladder/service apparatus (2.5 miles). As an alternative, a fire protection area may use the results of a systemic performance evaluation. That type of evaluation analyzes CAD history to demonstrate that, with its current deployment of companies, the fire department meets the time constraints for initial arriving engine and initial full-alarm assignment. The timing is in accordance with the general criteria in NFPA 1710, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments.
10 points
Personnel: We credit the personnel available to respond to first alarms for structure fires. For personnel not normally in the fire station (on-call and off-duty members), We reduce credit for the responding members to reflect the time needed for notification, travel, and assembly on the fireground. We then applies an upper limit for the credit for personnel because it is impractical for a very large number of personnel to operate a piece of apparatus.
15 points
Training: Trained personnel are vital to a competent fire suppression force. We evaluate training facilities and their use; company training at fire stations; training and certification of fire officers; driver/operator, hazardous materials, and recruit training; and building familiarization and preincident planning inspections.
9 points
Operational considerations: We credit the standard operating procedures for structure firefighting and the establishment of an incident management system.
2 points
Fire department total: 50 points
Water supply
Supply system: We compare the available water supply at representative community locations with the needed fire flows for those locations. The supply works, water main capacity, or fire hydrant distribution may limit the available supply.
30 points
Hydrant size, type, and installation: We evaluate the design and installation of fire hydrants.
3 points
Inspection and fire flow testing of hydrants: We evaluate the frequency and completeness of fire hydrant inspections and the flow-testing program, which can include the use of calibrated hydraulic molding. We also includes credit for hydrant marking.
7 points
Water supply total: 40 points
Community risk reduction
Fire prevention code adoption and enforcement: This section assesses the Fire Prevention Code adoption and enforcement capabilities of a community. Items evaluated include adoption and maintenance of one of the model codes; number and qualifications of fire prevention personnel, including certification and continuing education; and fire prevention programs, such as plan review, certificate of occupancy inspections, quality control, code compliance, inspection of private fire protection equipment, fire prevention ordinances, and coordination with fire department training and preincident planning activities.
2.2 points
Public fire safety education: We evaluate the existence of a fire safety education program; the qualifications, training, and certifications of public fire safety educators; and the activities of the various public fire safety education programs, such as residential fire safety programs, fire safety education in schools, juvenile firesetter education programs, and fire safety education in occupancies with large loss potential or hazardous conditions.
2.2 points
Fire investigation: This section examines the fire investigation activities of a community and is based on establishing authority to conduct and enforce fire investigations, the number and qualifications of fire investigators, the activities of the fire investigation staff, and the use of the National Fire Incident Reporting System.
1.1 points
Community risk reduction total: 5.5 points Survey total: 105.5 points
Divergence
Divergence: Even the best fire department will be less than fully effective if it has an inadequate water supply. Similarly, even a superior water supply will be less than fully effective if the fire department lacks the equipment, personnel, or operational considerations to use the water. If the relative scores for fire department and water supply are different, we adjust the total score downward to reflect the limiting effect of the less adequate item on the better one.
For more information on any topic related to the Public Protection Classification (PPC®) program or the Fire Suppression Rating Schedule, Contact us, or call our mitigation specialists at 1-800-444-4554.
Foreign Fire Relief State Aid is received by the borough as an annual grant from the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General and is distributed to the West Mayfield Firemen’s Relief Association of West Mayfield. The grant revenue is derived from a two percent (2%) State tax on fire insurance purchased by Pennsylvania residents from insurance companies incorporated outside of the Commonwealth. The funds are used to pay for insurance to protect volunteer firefighters, purchase fire equipment, and to cover volunteer training expenses, among other things.