Frequently Asked Questions

Please feel free to submit any questions you may have on our "Contact Us" Page, and we will post them here

Why does the city not staff on a traditional 24 hour staffing model?

That is a good question.  The 24 hour staffing model has been proven time and again to be the most efficient staffing model available to provide Fire/EMS protection.  If you were to run the numbers, a 24 hour staffing model would save the city a significant amount of money each year, provide a higher level of service through increased crew integrity, and provide a stabilized system for organizational management. 

A 24 hour staffing model is the gold standard for fire service delivery and we hope we can meet this standard one day.

What is the ISO Rating for Novi Fire Department?

In 2018, several of the NPFFU members were responsible for helping lower the NFD’s ISO rating; down to a rating of 2 (previously 5).

We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the Novi Professional Firefighters Union members who worked countless hours preparing, collecting, purchasing, and doing everything necessary for this ISO evaluation to become a success. The NPFFU members that made this happen are; Captain Mark Theisen (lead), Fire Marshal Kevin Pierce, Captain Philip Duczyminski, Captain John Martin, Lieutenant Jonathan Gearns-Hazlett, Lieutenant Remo Oliverio, Lieutenant Jeff Lachman, Fire Protection Officer Joe Carpenter. Without the hard work and dedication this accomplishment would not have been possible.

What exactly is an ISO rating?

Well in 1971, several insurance groups merged to form the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The rating system ranges from 1-10, with a ten meaning it does not meet the minimum standards, and one being a superior rating. 

Does this mean that a municipality that has a fire department with a lower ISO score is better and safer?

Unfortunately, most people are unaware of what the score really means. ISO is just one of many tools for property insurers to use to help establish rates based on risk. Insurers may or may not choose to use it, and different companies may use it in different ways. In addition, ISO does not account for emergency medical incidents. Therefore, this score does not indicate a resident’s risk in relation to EMS emergencies. The NPFFU is continually working to improve this system which has significant challenges since the City began following the faulty and dangerous recommendations of ICMA several years ago.

How many fire stations does the City of Novi have?

The city has 4 Fire Stations that are staffed with varying levels of personnel; depending on the time of day.  There is an old Fire Station (Station #5) which is used as an EMS station by Superior EMS located at the corner of 11 Mile Rd. and Beck Rd.

Why is it important for a Fire Department to meet NFPA Standards?

Although not all NFPA (National Fire Protection Association Standards) have been adopted and carry the force of law, they should be considered industry best practice standards.  NFPA standards are written by panels of industry experts, and fire service professionals.  These standards were created out of necessity and in many cases tragic circumstances have led to the creation of the standards.  Many LODD's (Line of Duty Deaths) could have been prevented by municipalities following these best practice standards. In addition, many more civilian rescues could have been successfully completed if departments followed these standards. These standards protect firefighters and citizens. 

Does the Novi Fire Department meet NFPA 1710 requirements?

Unfortunately, Not.  Over the past years the city has slightly increase the staffing on nights and weekends, however 2-firefighters operating out of a station is not efficient and is not even close to meeting NFPA 1710.  In addition, our daytime incidents have continued to increase dramatically, meanwhile our daytime staffing has decreased.  We continue to try and education city leaders on the need to properly staff and plan for emergencies.

Why are NFPA Standards Important, like NPFA 1710 (Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments):

The NFPA 1710 Standard is important because it applies the documented and proven science of fire behavior and emergency medicine to the basic resource requirements for effective fire and emergency service deployment.  This application allows a community to determine if the resources allocated for the different types of fires, emergencies, medical calls and other incidents are sufficient to effectively control the incident and protect lives and property.

NFPA 1710 Standard:

NFPA 1710 Standard says, “ the fire department shall establish a time objective of four minutes or less for the arrival of the first arriving engine company at a fire suppression incident and/or eight minutes or less for the deployment of full first alarm assignment at a fire suppression incident.”  Can the first unit arrive later than four minutes if the entire assignment is on the scene within eight minutes? (4.1.2.1.1)

The fire department shall have the capability to deploy an initial full alarm assignment within the eight-minute response time.  The number of people required falls between 14 and 17, depending on whether or not an aerial is used, if both pumpers are being used provide attack and backup lines and if a safety officer is required.