Five Fox Valley fire departments are examining ways they can further their collaboration with one another to meet increased demands for service amid fiscal constraints and a tight labor market.
The Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah-Menasha, Grand Chute and Kaukauna fire departments recently hired the Wisconsin Policy Forum to study opportunities for regional cooperation.
The $14,300 cost was split evenly among the departments.
"We've collaborated to have a report on how we could collaborate better," Appleton Fire Chief Jeremy Hansen told The Post-Crescent.
The study analyzed five areas: training, special operations, community risk reduction, fleet maintenance and emergency medical services.