GARYVILLE — The Garyville Fire Department has retained the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana’s Class 3 Rating for 2010, according to Fire Chief Faron Duhe. 

Duhe said the department has maintained a Class 3 rating since 1994. The rating is reviewed every five years.

Criteria for the rating includes the quality of a department’s communications, trainings and equipment, how well a department is staffed and whether the area’s water supply is sufficient for fighting fires.  The rating also depends on whether a department has strategically located its stations to best serve the residents.

“It’s not just about the fire department,” said Duhe, “It’s about the community.”

Some rating impact statements from PIAL indicating how the department can improve were:

• Increase the volunteer firefighter response at the fire scene;

• Have additional firefighters on duty at the station;

• Provide a two-acre training facility, which includes a drill tower, burn building and flammable liquid pit. The surface and location of the site should be in an area that will not restrict the use of water and the generation of smoke. Other facilities  or equipment used for training purposes on additional land at the site is acceptable.

• Expand the Public Fire Control Program that includes fire inspections, fire investigations and public fire safety education.

In addition to retaining the Class 3 rating, the department has a new 2010 Ford Expedition, which replaces the chief’s aged 1999 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle is used for incident command and to carry additional personnel to trainings and incidents.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Garyville Fire Department and/or becoming a member can visit the website at www. garyvillefd.com.