Excerpts from wandtv.com:

The Champaign Fire Department was awarded a Class 1 Public Protection Classification.  The Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office, the highest rating possible, means the Champaign Fire Department is one of the nation’s best.  The Insurance Services Office is an organization that independently evaluates fire-protection efforts in communities across the United States.

Of 48,632 fire departments evaluated nationwide, Champaign is one of only 179 fire departments awarded a Class 1 rating, putting it in the top 0.37 percent. Only five other fire departments in the state of Illinois currently hold this coveted top rating.

“This Class 1 rating is a direct reflection of the level of hard work and dedication shown by our Firefighters, Inspectors, Educators, and Telecommunicators that come to work every day delivering outstanding service to our citizens, students, and visitors.” said Fire Chief Gary Ludwig.

Insurance Services Organization collects information on communities and analyzes the data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule.  This Fire Suppression Rating Schedule evaluates four primary categories of fire suppression – fire department, emergency communications, water supply, and community risk reduction.