Gloucester residents could see lower homeowner’s insurance premiums next time their policies come up for renewal.

Local volunteer fire departments have been working hard not only to make the community safer, but also to help offset some costs to residents where the premiums are concerned.

The lower insurance premiums are a result of an improved ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating, which was recently achieved by both the Gloucester and Abingdon fire and rescue squads.

According to AVFRS Lt. Drew Luellen, that company achieved its improved rating by strengthening its ability to fight fires with updated equipment and training, resulting in fewer losses and lower homeowner insurance premiums.

He said the ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) is used by insurance companies to determine rates for fire insurance. The rating for AVFRS went from a 6/9 to a 4/4, with a lower number resulting in lower insurance rates.

According to Luellen, the first number refers to the classifi...