CKFR, Bremerton Fire talk of merger
June 11, 2008 · Updated 1:47 PM
Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue has had periodic discussions with Bremerton Fire Department about a possible merger for a few years now, but recently theres been talk of bringing in a consulting group to determine if a merging would be mutually beneficial.
It would be at least September before we would start a study, said CKFR chief Ken Burdette. We think we can be more efficient and provide better service by coming together. On the surface it makes sense to do this, but theres a fear factor ... anytime theres change people are resistant.
The recent discussion at CKFR has been, Is this something we should or shouldnt do? Burdette said. He is hoping that an extensive study will help answer that question.
Realistically it wont be until after the first of the year before we know if it makes sense, he said.
The next step is to find funding for the study. There has been discussion of the two departments splitting the costs of the approximately $50,000 study.
There are plans to bring in a consultant from Emergency Services Consulting inc. (ESCi), a consulting service to public safety agencies throughout the United States and Canada.
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