Members of Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department gained certification hours from Alabama Fire College of Tuscaloosa on Feb. 18 when Billy Roberts taught the college’s Basic Apparatus Operations course to 16 attendees at the JVFD station.

The training is part of the department’s efforts to prepare for the upcoming inspection by the Insurance Services Office, the agency that assesses organizations and municipalities on risk. ISO delivers mission-critical information to help solve challenging infrastructure problems and aid in disaster readiness and threat assessment for communities.

The department’s rating upon inspection is a determining factor in property insurance rates and several other factors. The inspection is expected to take place this spring.

Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department provides assistance in the Jefferson community on Highway 28, and also on Marengo County Roads 21, 57, 19 and several other areas.

The department meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., and all residents of these areas are encouraged to participate.