The Soledad Fire Department earned an ISO Class Two Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating, since September, improving from its previous Class Three rating.
The accomplishment places Soledad among seven percent of fire departments evaluated nationwide that have achieved the distinction.
The ISO classification evaluates a community’s fire protection capabilities, including emergency response, fire department readiness, water supply infrastructure, communications, and community risk reduction efforts. Of more than 37,000 fire departments evaluated nationwide, about 2,170 have earned a Class Two rating.
For Soledad’s single-station fire department, the achievement highlights the dedication of firefighters, city employees, and partner agencies working to strengthen emergency services and protect residents.
“This is a huge accomplishment for a City and Fire Department our size,” said Jason Luckenbach, assistant chief of the Soledad Fire Department in a statement. He credited the department’s continued development and the City’s investment in public safety and critical water infrastructure.
The improved rating reflects strategic investments, including funding from Measure Y, which supports partial fire department staffing, apparatus maintenance, and essential equipment. The City also recognized State Senator Anna Caballero for helping secure a $2 million grant opportunity to acquire a fire department ladder truck, expanding operational capabilities.
The achievement represents a coordinated effort involving the Fire Department, Water Department, emergency communications personnel, and community risk reduction programs.
City officials expressed appreciation to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and staff for supporting investments that strengthen emergency response and community resilience.