Fire Districts 38 and 10 commissioners are proposing a formal "coming together as one" on the upcoming ballot. The vision for such a measure is to maximize efficiencies, maintain service levels, and secure funding to meet current and future needs. As a 40-year fire service veteran and your former fire chief, I fully endorse this measure to form a Regional Fire Authority (RFA).
Commissioners and administrative staff began a potential "merger" discussion several years ago. The group researched available options, knowing the current situation could not continue for optimum outcomes in the future. They met with other RFAs around the state that had 20-plus years of operation. All provided highly favorable testimonies of the RFA processes.