Upon entering his role as Fire Chief in 2023, Chief Steve Young and the Cape Elizabeth Fire Department began an exhaustive year-long Public Protection Classification (PPC) survey conducted by the Insurance Services Office (ISO).   The ISO Final Report and corresponding letter, issued on July 22, 2024, has classified the CEFD with an ISO rating of 0/3X on a scale of 1/1 to 10/10.  For a small hybrid department comprised of volunteers and per diem employees, a classification of 1/1 is considered an excellent rating.  CEFD received an outstanding rating and went up 0.3% since undergoing the last survey in 2012.

ISO conducts comprehensive reviews of fire department capabilities nationwide, typically every 10 years. Its Protection Classification Program (PPC) is a cornerstone of insurance companies’ underwriting process. A positive classification, such as the CEFD's outstanding 0/3X rating, indicates a robust fire suppression system within a community in conjunction with the local water distribution system (e.g., Portland Water District). This information is crucial as most insurers use PPC classifications for underwriting and calculating premiums for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.   

Chief Young credited the department’s full-time staffing for the improved classification.  “We should be proud of the fire department’s capabilities and proud of its service to the citizens of Cape Elizabeth. It’s an achievement to have this classification in a small town.  We are in good shape!”