BELOIT, Wis. — The cities of Beloit and South Beloit have agreed to a new partnership between their fire departments that local leaders say will both cut department expenses and lead to better service for both communities.
The intergovernmental agreement — which went into effect Wednesday — will see one of the Beloit Fire Department’s deputy fire chiefs serve as South Beloit’s fire chief on a part-time basis. Deputy Chief Jason Griffin of the Beloit Fire Department has been chosen to take on the part-time role.
The announcement comes as South Beloit has struggled to fill the role of fire chief after Fire Chief Dan Zefass abruptly resigned seven months ago, according to CBS affiliate WIFR.
“Over the last several months, I have received personal phone calls from multiple agencies offering to help in any way, in fact, Fire Chief Shoevlin from Harlem Roscoe Fire offered to send a Chief to any fire in South Beloit until we were back on our feet,” South Beloit City Administrator Sonya Hoppes said. “There is an abundance of small town pride around our fire department and to witness our entire community come together in hopes to raise the tide for us all, is the epitome of what fire service is this day in age.”
Both departments will remain separate entities under the new agreement, but both will operate without jurisdictional boundaries, which fire officials said will allow the closest available resource to respond to any emergencies.
“The City of Beloit Fire Department wants to be a good neighbor and partner to South Beloit,” Beloit Fire Chief Dan Pease said. “Our leaders strive to maintain a level of fire and EMS services that best serve both communities.”
Beloit city officials said the agreement is set to expire on Nov. 28, but it may be renewed for another 180 days. South Beloit will reimburse the City of Beloit for 25% of salary costs, according to a release from the city.
Deputy Chief Griffin has worked for the Beloit Fire Department since March 2000 and is a second-generation firefighter.
“Having served the stateline area my entire career, I am looking forward to leading the South Beloit Fire Department,” Griffin said. “It’s especially gratifying knowing that I will be mentoring the future leaders in the fire service.”
Griffin’s father, James Griffin, currently serves as the fire inspector for the South Beloit Fire Department. The elder Griffin previously worked for the Beloit Fire Department and retired in 2004.
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