The chiefs of Kitsap Peninsula's two biggest fire districts — Central and South Kitsap — believe they've found work their agencies can do better together.
For instance, when one department sends the bulk of its firefighters to battle a blaze, could the other send an ambulance to its fellow district and deploy to other medical emergencies during the fire? Or could the agencies share certain vehicles, supplies and personnel?
"We already collaborate quite a bit at the chief level," said John Oliver, chief of Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue. "Where in the areas could we share resources and better serve our citizens?" What started as a conversation between Oliver and Jeff Faucett, chief of South Kitsap Fire and Rescue, is now a real proposal taken up by their respective fire boards of commissioners, which will meet June 16 to consider a formal memorandum of understanding. With unanimous consent from their boards, the chiefs hope to roll out a list of five "pilot" collaborations July 5.