Accreditation and ISO Rating
Lincoln Fire & Rescue is proud to be one of over 300 internationally accredited fire agencies and growing through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Lincoln Fire & Rescue also has a distinction of being one of the original accredited agencies since accredited on August 25, 1997.
The CPSE’s accreditation program requires fire agencies to compare their performance to industry best practices in
order to:
- Determine community risk and safety needs and develop community specific Standards of Cover.
- Evaluate the performance of the department.
- Establish a method for achieving continuous organizational improvement.
The accreditation model includes the evaluation of 10 major categories with performance indicators determined by representatives from various facets of government, private industry, military and academic fields. The 10 categories are: governance and administration, assessment and planning, goals and objectives, financial resources, community risk reduction programs physical resources, human resources, training and competency, essential resources, external system relationship, and health and safety. Peer assessors are used to verify agency performance on site every five years with final review and approval provided by a commission of subject matter experts. The basic tenants of the process are to ensure accountability and transparency to the community being served.
On February 28, 2024, LFR was re-accredited for the sixth time.
Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE).
ISO Rating 
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluates communities nationwide through its Public Protection Classification (PPC) program, which measures key elements of fire protection such as emergency response capabilities, personnel, water supply, training, and communications. PPC ratings range from Class 1—representing the highest level of fire protection—to Class 10, which indicates no recognized protection. Fewer than one percent of fire departments across the country achieve a Class 1 rating.
Lincoln Fire & Rescue holds the prestigious ISO Class 1 designation, recognizing our department as among the nation’s top providers of fire protection and emergency response services. This achievement reflects years of strategic investment in training, equipment, communications, and water infrastructure, as well as the exceptional dedication of our firefighters and staff. It also highlights the strong partnership between LFR, the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center, and the Lincoln Water System.
Receiving a Class 1 rating has meaningful benefits for our community. The designation can help reduce fire insurance premiums for many property owners by demonstrating superior fire suppression capability and risk reduction. It also reinforces community confidence that Lincoln maintains a highly resilient and capable fire protection system built to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
This accomplishment is a testament to Lincoln’s commitment to public safety and continuous improvement. Lincoln Fire & Rescue remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and protecting our community at the highest possible standard.