The Pewaukee and Sussex fire departments have formed a partnership — at least temporarily.
According to Pewaukee Fire Chief Kevin Bierce, the decision to merge the two departments was in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"(Sussex Fire) Chief (David) Johnsen and I have been looking at different options of how to enhance service levels for both communities for several months," Bierce said. "Consolidation and shared services are really a thing of the future. We thought it was a good idea and kind of put it on the back burner because we're both doing OK." Bierce said the two departments realized they would potentially need more boots on the ground because of the coronavirus.
"Together, we are stronger than apart," Bierce said.