SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Sioux Falls (S.D.) Fire Rescue department is now designated ISO Class 1.
SDPB.org reported that the department is one of 132 to meet the criteria for the Class 1 status. ISO representative Rob Holso said most Class 1 departments are in large metro areas. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue is the only department with the classification in the upper Midwest.
Chief Jim Sideras said the designation proves the fire crew in Sioux Falls is one of the best.
“Combined with ISO 1 and accreditation, there’s only 35 departments in the country that have done what we’ve done. That is a huge success, but it’s also related to the sacrifices and hard work really of the women and men behind Sioux Falls Fire Rescue. They’re the ones that really deserve a huge round of applause for their work,” Chief Sideras says.
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was ISO Class 3 since 1990. They achieved Class 2 this fall, but Sideras asked for a re-evaluation. After the review, they were improved to ISO Class 1.