The fire departments in Strathroy-Caradoc and Middlesex Centre will have a new framework for sharing specialized personnel and equipment following a decision by Strathroy-Caradoc Council this week.
Council approved a shared service agreement with the Municipality of Middlesex Centre during its September 8 meeting.
The agreement is designed to support the safe, effective and efficient sharing of specialized fire resources when requested by either department.
Under the agreement, the Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Department will make its aerial apparatus available to the Middlesex Centre Fire Department when requested. The required personnel will also be provided, subject to the availability of the apparatus and qualified staff at the time of the request.
In return, the Middlesex Centre Fire Department will provide its Water Rescue Team to Strathroy-Caradoc when requested. That includes qualified personnel and the associated water-rescue equipment, again subject to availability.
The two departments will determine the appropriate level of response for each request, including the number of personnel and the equipment required.
The agreement provides the two municipalities with a way to access specialized resources when needed without either department automatically committing equipment or personnel that may be required elsewhere.
The municipality says the agreement is intended to create a framework for cooperation between the two fire departments and improve the ability to respond effectively when specialized equipment or expertise is required.
The decision was one of several items considered by Strathroy-Caradoc Council during its September 8 meeting. The municipality notes that its published Council highlights are an informal summary of selected actions, with official minutes to be posted once ratified by Council.
Written by: C. Soares
