DCA’s PlanFirst program recognizes and rewards Georgia communities that clearly demonstrate an established pattern of successfully implementing their Local Comprehensive Plan. Our PlanFirst “Success Story” series highlights these cities and counties by sharing their incredible achievements. You can view all of the communities on our Story Map. 

In the Emanuel County Joint Comprehensive Plan, the City of Swainsboro outlined several objectives for improving the Swainsboro fire department. Many of the city’s objectives combined into a larger goal of attaining an Insurance Services Organization (ISO) Class 3 rating. 

As documented in the 2017 Community Work Program Report of Accomplishments, the City of Swainsboro successfully implemented numerous improvements, such as the construction of a new fire headquarters with training facilities and condition room, purchase of a new fire truck including a 75-ft. ladder truck and pumper, implementation of a new early alert system, and addition of new hydrants. 

These improvements, along with additional upgrades to the department, helped the city attain an ISO Class 3 rating. The rating not only demonstrates the quality of the City of Swainsboro’s fire department, but it also results in lower insurance premiums for many businesses and homeowners in the city.