The Southfield Fire Department maintained a Class 2 rating in the latest Public Protection Classification (PPC) program sponsored by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The ISO analyzes the structural fire suppression delivery system that protects the community. 

Southfield / Lathrup Village joins twenty-two other Michigan fire departments and 2,004 fire departments nationwide with a Class 2 rating – keeping Southfield / Lathrup Village in the top two (2) percent in Michigan and in the top Five (5) percent of the country. 

“The Southfield Fire Department has continued to improve operational and organizational efficiencies under the leadership of Chief Menifee,” commented City Administrator Fred Zorn. “It is little surprise that Chief Menifee was selected as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Great Lakes Division 2023 Chief of the Year last month. This strong rating and other national recognition assures Southfield residents and businesses are clearly protected by one of the finest fire and emergency medical response departments in the country.”

“Fire Chief Menifee exemplifies all of the characteristics and criteria required for this very prestigious award,” commented City Administrator Fred Zorn. “It is a great honor for not only him, but for the entire department and city as a reflection of the outstanding fire and EMS service that is provided to our community.” 

ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) program helps to establish fire insurance premiums for residential and commercial properties by analyzing relevant data using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule. Classifications are assigned from 1 to 10, with Class 1 representing exemplary public protection and Class 10 indicating that a municipality’s fire protection program does not meet minimum standards. Each insurance company determines the insurance premiums for each policyholder. The insurance companies analyze ISO information like prior fire loss.

“Retaining our ISO rating is a great accomplishment that reconfirms that our department is improving its service delivery system, fire prevention activities and ultimately making the community a safer place to live, work and play” stated Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee. “This is the second evaluation our department has had since I’ve been the Chief. Our last review was in 2018, so this evaluation gives us measurable benchmarking statistics that the department can build on.  We improved our overall score in many areas but remain in the class 2 rating”.

The Class 2 rating for Southfield’s Fire Department may lower insurance rates for property owners in both Southfield and Lathrup Village, where the Department also provides full fire and EMS service. Insurance policy holders for properties within the Southfield Fire Department’s service area can contact their insurance provider to determine how the new classification may impact premiums.

“The department has improved department processes in communication interoperability, GPS technology, new training center and new firefighter safety equipment. I’m very proud of the men and women of the department, also the commitment and investments the city has made in the fire department”, added Chief Menifee. 

About the Southfield Fire Department

The Southfield Fire Department is presently comprised of 98 highly trained and motivated members who serve the citizens of Southfield and Lathrup Village, as well as a daytime population estimated at 175,000. The men and women of the Southfield Fire Department respond from five fire stations strategically located within the city. In 2022, the busiest year on record, Southfield firefighters responded to 15,809 calls for service (43.31 calls per day), and remains the busiest fire department in Oakland County.