The Frisco Fire Department is one of the safest fire departments not only in the state of Texas, but also in the country, according to a recent Class I Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating.

The department is one of only 15 in the state and 55 in the country to receive the Class I rating. City staff said more than 65,000 city fire departments nationwide are graded.

This is second time the department has received the rating, which involves reviews of fire department services, water storage, distribution system and dispatch communications.

Frisco Mayor Maher Maso said the rating "means the world" to Frisco not because of the award itself, but because it defines the culture in Frisco. He stressed public safety as the city of Frisco's first priority and said it takes a team effort from multiple city departments to maintain the rating.

Fire Chief Mark Piland thanked the city, council and mayor for their support in keeping the Class I rating.

He said the rating not only speaks to the safety practices of the Frisco Fire Department, but can also help keep city insurance rates down.