Officials in La Crosse have started a new push to consolidate fire departments in the region, but not everyone is convinced, with some in surrounding communities worrying about a loss of independence. Agencies in La Crosse County have had on-and-off discussions about the idea over the last 20 years. But La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam said several fires near municipal borders have recently highlighted the lack of coordination. "We're on different (radio) frequencies in some cases. We've got different training and education standards, so depending on which block you're living on, you’re getting a different level of trained firefighter or EMT or paramedic showing up," Gilliam said.