The Holmen Area Fire Department is exploring ways to further training opportunities and working relationships with area fire departments. At its December meeting, the Holmen Area Fire District Association Board gave HAFD Fire Chief Paul Menches the green light to begin discussions with the La Crosse Fire Department in developing a program for vehicle maintenance. Holmen resident and La Crosse County Board supervisor, Patrick Barlow, suggested at the fire association board’s Jan. 17 meeting that the departments could find other areas to work together. “I appreciate that Holmen Fire is talking with La Crosse (fire department),” said Barlow. “I wonder if it could go further, such as training.”