While the Kern County Fire Department wants to explore the possibility of a potential merger with the Bakersfield Fire Department, BFD’s Chief Anthony Galagaza said late last week that his department is “not entertaining” any merger or consolidation of the two departments.
“(A merger) will not benefit the citizens of Bakersfield who are paying the city tax and it’s just not an efficient model for (BFD) at the moment,” Galagaza said. “We’re not in favor of it because we’re a city fire department and the city is growing, so we should increase as a city increases.”
Last week, a local media report stated that KCFD Chief David Witt expressed interest in a possible merger between the two departments. On Monday, Witt said that he still believes it’s an idea worth discussing, whether or not both departments think it will be effective.
“I think we should be open to look at the potential. I understand (BFD) has a sales tax that definitely helps the city,” Witt said.