Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Fire Department Coordination Beneficial; Merger Guidelines Would Be Helpful

Report 01-67, December 2001




Report Summary

  • Cooperation among fire departments has emerged as an effective way to deal with an environment of increasing needs, rising costs, and decentralized service delivery. Such cooperation, whether through coordinating functions or formal merger of organizations, can improve service levels, often at a reduced cost to taxpayers.
  • However, there are challenges in determining the most appropriate forms and levels of cooperation in Florida. As illustrated by the breakdown of the cooperative relationship between the Cedar Hammock and Southern Manatee fire districts, the inability to deal with these challenges can have negative effects on local communities.
  • To facilitate successful fire department cooperation, guidelines should be developed to help local communities plan for and implement cooperative agreements and mergers. The Department of Community Affairs and the State Fire Marshal should establish a task force of relevant stakeholders to develop these guidelines.


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Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
intergovernmental, community affairs, consumer protection, insurance, fire, fire departments, fire marshal, fire prevention, firefighting, crime laboratories, forensics, investigations, law enforcement, cities, city government, municipalities, community development, planning & service areas, emergency management, emergency response, special districts, public safety