The impending retirement of Hoquiam fire chief Paul Dean appears to have rekindled an interest in discussions regarding the possible consolidation of emergency services between Aberdeen and Hoquiam.
“We intend to reach out to Aberdeen and to discuss a partnership in some way,” said Hoquiam mayor Jasmine Dickhoff.
Dean’s retirement becomes official Oct. 1. He has been with the department for nearly 40 years, working his way up to assistant chief and, in 2012, chief.
“I have been in communication with (Dickhoff) regarding chief Dean’s retirement and there is mutual interest in exploring options for consolidation,” said Aberdeen mayor Erik Larson. “At this time it would be a bit premature to go into more detail than that.”
The issue of consolidation of services between the two cities has been contentious at times.