The town of Faith and its fire department have received a high rating from the insurance commission and state fire marshal for the department.

North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin announced that Faith Fire District completed its routine inspection and received a class 2 rating, effective Sept. 1. The rating system ranges from 1, the highest, to 10, not recognized as a certified fire department by the state.

Most rural departments fall into class 9. While lower ratings do not necessarily indicate poor service, a higher rating does suggest that a department is overall better equipped to respond to fires in its district. Higher ratings can also significantly lower homeowners’ insurance rates in that fire district.

“I’d like to congratulate Chief Gardner for his department’s performance and for the hard work of all the department members,” said commissioner Goodwin. “The citizens in the town of these districts should rest easy knowing they have a fine group of firefighters protecting them and their property in case of an emergency.”

Faith Fire Chief Scott Gardner also added, “I would like to give sincere thanks to the town Board of Aldermen and the citizens of the town for providing the department with the ability to possess all of the necessary equipment to be a successful department.”

Gardner went on to say, “a special thanks to chief officers Ashley Powell, Chris Gardner and Tyler Heilig for their diligent work and preparation for the inspection as well as the captains and firefighters for their response, participation and dedication to the department.”

Faith Fire Department last improved its rating in 2002 to a class 4. State law requires OSFM officials to inspect departments serving districts of 100,000 people or less, which makes up all but six of the state’s fire districts.