Gulfport Fire Department has highest fire rating in Mississippi

Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes, along with Gulfport Fire Chief Mike Beyerstedt, gathered today on the steps of City Hall in Gulfport to make a community announcement.

The Gulfport Fire Department is being recognized as part of the top two percent of fire departments nationally. Effective June 18^th, Gulfport will carry a class 2 rating.

Gulfport residents and businesses will receive the lowest fire insurance premiums available in the state.

Chief Beyerstedt says these firefighters are being recognized for doing the little things most others aren’t willing to do to make our community safer, such as in home smoke alarm safety inspections.

While the city is very proud of their accomplishments, this is also an economic enhancement for the city.  Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney said, “You can have more economic development when you have lower rates for your commercial businesses due to the leadership that you have. To the firemen out there, you are the heroes in my life. You are the guys that go in and risk your life to save other people.”

This is a goal the fire department has been working to attain for the past three years.