Property owners in the Town of Brook and Iroquois, Washington, and Jackson township areas could see their property insurance rates decrease effective July 1st due to the reclassification of the Public Protection Classification of the Brook-Iroquois Township Volunteer Fire Department.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) conducted a rating review in December of 2012 and has lowered the classification for the Town of Brook from a Class 6 to Class 5; Iroquois Township has gone from a 6/9 to a 5/8B; Washington Township has gone from 9/10 to 8B/10; and parts of Jackson Township have gone from a 9/10 to a 5/8B.

Factors that are reviewed and taken into consideration are water supply, fire department equipment, and fire department training. ISO met with fire department, dispatch, and water department personnel over 3 days in December to determine the new rating.

Brook fire chief Kyle Conrad is pleased with the lowering of the classifications for his fire territory. "This is just one example of how our hard work and financial investment in equipment and infrastructure pays dividends to our community" says Conrad. "This is something for all of us to be proud of".

Property owners should review their insurance renewals that occur after July 1st to verify the new classification is noted on their policy. Those areas outside of 5 road miles from Brook in Washington and Jackson townships may not see any classification change due to their remote location.

The Brook-Iroquois Township Volunteer Fire Department consists of 23 volunteers and serves the Town of Brook, Iroquois Township, Washington Township, and the southern half of Jackson Township.

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