Cathedral City Fire & EMS Achieves Historic ISO Class 2 Rating, Capping a Banner Year of Excellence in Public Safety

Cathedral City Fire & EMS Achieves Historic ISO Class 2 Rating, Capping a Banner Year of Excellence in Public Safety

The Cathedral City Fire & EMS Department proudly announces a major achievement in community safety and professional excellence: the department has officially earned a Class 2 Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a distinction held by fewer than 5% of fire departments nationwide.

This upgraded rating, improving from a Class 3 to a Class 2, reflects the relentless commitment by Cathedral City Fire & EMS to operational excellence, rapid emergency response, and proactive community risk reduction. The evaluation assessed the department's fire suppression, emergency medical response, communications systems, water supply, and prevention programs, confirming best-in-class performance across all categories.

"This ISO Class 2 designation is more than a number, it's a reflection of the professionalism, accountability, dedication, and teamwork of every firefighter, paramedic, and support member in our department," said Fire Chief Michael Contreras. "Our mission has always been to protect life and property while providing the best possible service to the community, while strengthening community trust. This recognition affirms that Cathedral City Fire & EMS is among the best in the nation at doing just that."

Key Benefits to the Community

The ISO Class 2 rating offers substantial benefits for residents, business owners, and the broader Cathedral City community:

• Lower Insurance Premiums: Property owners can expect an estimated 5-10% reduction in fire and property insurance premiums. This translates to millions of dollars in collective annual savings, helping families and businesses manage rising costs while enhancing local economic vitality.
• Enhanced Property Protection: The new rating demonstrates the department's advanced training programs, modern apparatus and technology, and strategically positioned fire stations, resulting in faster response times and minimized fire damage.
• Stronger Community Resilience: The achievement underscores Cathedral City's investment in public education, emergency preparedness, and risk reduction, making it a safer and more desirable place to live, work, and invest.

A Year of Unprecedented Progress

This milestone caps a transformative year for Cathedral City Fire EMS, highlighted by several historic advancements:

• CPSE Accreditation: Earlier this year, the department earned Accredited Agency Statusfrom the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), a rigorous, peer-reviewed recognition of outstanding leadership, accountability, and community engagement.
• Measure W Implementation: Through the voter-approved Measure W initiative, the department has expanded staffing, added a fourth ambulance, andenhanced 24/7 coverage, significantly improving emergency medical and fire response times.
• Strategic Investments in Training and Equipment: With new PAC radios, advanced EMS monitors, and expanded specialty response teams (HazMat, Swiftwater, and Technical Rescue), Cathedral City Fire EMS continues to elevate its readiness and safety standards.

Together, these accomplishments reinforce Cathedral City Fire EMS's reputation as a progressive, accredited, and forward-thinking public safety agency serving one of California's most vibrant communities.

About Cathedral City Fire EMS

Serving the residents of Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley since 1981, Cathedral City Fire and EMS provides comprehensive fire suppression, paramedic emergency response, rescue operations, and community risk reduction programs. Guided by its mission of "Community Above Self," the department remains committed to excellence, integrity, and service in protecting lives and property every day.

For more information about the department's ISO rating, CPSE accreditation, or ongoing community initiatives, visit www.cathedralcityfire.org or contact Michael Contreras at 760-567-5977 or [email protected].