Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves (South Louisiana) released the following statement after the St. George Fire Protection District was notified of their improvement from a Public Fire Protection Classification of Class 2 to Class 1, effective January 1, 2021. Based on a metric designated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana, a Class 1 Rating is the highest rating possible, meaning local businesses and homeowners could possibly receive a reduction in their insurance premium after the new rating takes effect January 1.

The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana sets class ratings on a scale of 1 to 10, so the lower the number, the better the insurance rates. The scores are assessed every five years and not publicized on the internet.

"The highest rating possible potentially saves community members in insurance costs – which can lead to the best possible home and business property insurance rates. Hats off to Chief Gerard Tarleton and the firefighters for their training, equipment and performance, especially this year with the challenges they've faced during the pandemic," Graves said. "The ratings encompass every aspect of the community – fire department, utilities, building codes, and several other participation factors – which means it is a total team effort. Credit is due to the St. George Fire Department and the entire community that work hand in hand to keep making the South Baton Rouge area a great place to raise a family or grow a business."

In August, Zachary Fire Department achieved the same Class 1 Rating to benefit the entire Zachary community. The rating built on top of ongoing efforts, such as the Comite River Diversion Canal and Mayor's drainage projects, to better protect our homes from floods and help homeowners pay less in flood insurance.