FOLEY – The quality of fire protection in Foley has significantly improved, even as the number of emergency calls has increased dramatically in recent years, according to a recent national study.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich praised the Foley Fire Department for its continued excellence and dedication to public safety, crediting Chief Joey Darby and the department’s personnel for their efforts in protecting the community.
“This recognition is well earned,” Hellmich said. “We appreciate everything our firefighters do. They are a highly professional team, and this achievement reflects their hard work and commitment to the citizens of Foley.”
The Insurance Services Office (ISO), an independent organization that evaluates fire departments across the country, recently completed a review of the Foley Fire Department. ISO rates fire departments on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the highest level of fire protection. Foley maintained its strong ISO rating of Class 3. However, Chief Darby said the department’s internal score improved from 71 in 2018 to 78.08 — just shy of the threshold for a Class 2 rating.
“That’s a major jump,” Darby told the Foley City Council. “To be less than two points away from a Class 2 is remarkable, especially considering the area we cover. Five years ago, I would have said achieving a 2 was mathematically impossible for Foley.”
Darby noted that while a few nearby departments have higher ISO ratings, they typically serve smaller geographic areas. Foley’s fire district has expanded significantly, alongside rapid growth in population and emergency calls. Since 2018, emergency fire calls have increased by 75%, and the city’s population has grown from about 20,000 in 2020 to nearly 30,000 today.
Despite these increases, the ISO found that Foley’s fire protection improved in nearly every measurable category. For the first time, the ISO compared Foley to peer communities—cities of similar size, population, and fire department resources—and Foley outperformed the peer group, state average, and national average in every category.
“That’s something we’re very proud of,” Darby said. “It reflects the efforts of every member of our department, as well as our ongoing investments in equipment, training, and community outreach.”
The ISO evaluation covers every aspect of a city’s fire protection services—from emergency response times and equipment to training programs and staffing levels. It also includes outside factors such as the local water system and the 911 dispatch service.
“They evaluate everything—from how we respond to calls, the apparatus we use, how we train, and even how we educate the community,” Darby explained. “They also assess our water supply from Riviera Utilities and others, as well as the performance of our 911 system.”
Foley’s proactive approach to fire prevention also played a key role in the improved score. Public education programs, fire code enforcement, and outreach to schools and senior citizens all contributed to a near-maximum score in ISO’s bonus category.
“We earned significant points for our prevention efforts,” Darby said. “Educating the public, adopting and enforcing modern codes, and working with the community is a major part of our success—and it helps reduce risks without adding costs or increasing exposure to danger.”
Chief Darby emphasized that these improvements not only demonstrate the department’s capabilities but may also lead to lower fire insurance premiums for residents.
“Our goal is always to protect lives and property,” he said. “This new rating shows that our department is rising to meet the growing needs of Foley—and doing it at a very high level.”