Consolidation still a possibility for fire departments

The potential merger of Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue and the Bremerton Fire Department is still on the table.

The CKFR Board of Commissioners met Monday to discuss a letter sent Nov. 18 to the department by BFD Chief Al Duke. The letter stated the city of Bremerton is still interested in some form of consolidation, saying it “would promote greater efficiencies in staffing, equipment acquisition, and use, reduction in service overlap and redundancy and overall service delivery enhancement.”

The letter also asked CKFR a series of questions regarding the financial model, labor contracts and other details that would affect the framework of a potential merger.

“Most of these questions were made to generate discussion,” CKFR Chief Ken Burdette said.

He said the departments work together extensively due to their adjacent borders, adding that the further benefits of a merger are obvious.

“It’s about efficiency,” he said. “I’m not going to say we are going to save money, but we are going to provide better service.”

After more than two years of discussion, CKFR, BFD and South Kitsap Fire & Rescue pulled out of talks of forming an all-encompassing West Sound Fire and Rescue Regional Fire Authority on Sept. 15.

Burdette said the departments also talked extensively about a potential merger in 2000 and 2001, and have casually talked about the possibility long before that.

“We have lots of information to use from the past, much of which is still valid,” he said. “This needs to be a cooperative effort.”

CKFR’s union also is still interested in working on increased consolidation, said Steve Davison, vice president of the Professional Firefighters of Kitsap County, Local 2819.

In the letter, Duke also invited CKFR to give a presentation regarding the department’s interest in a potential merger during the month of December, though the proper forum was not specified.

Contact Bremerton Patriot Staff writer Andy Jones at ajones@bremertonpatriot.com or (360) 308-9161.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.