The Fire Chiefs and designated members of the Board of Fire Commissioners of University Place and Lakewood Fire Departments are taking part in meetings to study the benefits of regionalized fire and emergency services within their respective communities. Currently, the Lakewood and University Place Fire Departments partner or share services in several areas, including firefighter recruitment, testing and training, vehicle maintenance, special operations and emergency call receiving/dispatching.
The current partnership has been successful, and the departments are looking for further opportunities to increase operational efficiencies, reduce service delivery costs and enhance programs and services. This study group is also hoping to learn from other local fire districts that have successfully regionalized operations. A final report is due later this year.
For more information please contact University Place Fire Chief Mitch Sagers at 253-564-1623 or Lakewood Fire Chief Ken Sharp at 253-582-4600.