After 10 months of discussion, the La Verne Fire Department (LVFD) and Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD) have finalized a new, mutually beneficial auto and mutual aid agreement. The new agreement improves response times around La Verne, Claremont, San Dimas and Pomona and provides the effective firefighting force necessary for large, complex incidents. This partnership is effective beginning December 1, 2022 and will remain effective until either Fire Chief notifies the other of termination.
“This updated mutual aid agreement with LA County Fire is a big win for our community. Not only does it enhance our Fire Department’s capabilities, but it also improves the overall safety of our residents,” said Mayor Tim Hepburn. “Our community’s well-being is a top priority, and this elevated level of service gives us even more comfort and reassurance. This effort is a true testament to Chief Nigg’s leadership and the Department’s commitment to our residents.”
With this agreement, LVFD is National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 compliant and has the bandwidth to support more complex, critical situations that fire departments often face. Under Chief Nigg’s leadership, LVFD has enhanced its capacity to offer equitable, reciprocating responses into the contiguous LACFD contract cities around La Verne.
LVFD’s current service levels for the City will remain the same. In addition, LVFD will now respond as first alarm units to all structure and wildland fires in certain areas in the Cities of Claremont, Pomona and San Dimas. The department will also provide second-due service for EMS responses, which includes ambulances as needed. Battalion Chiefs will respond to fire or other complex incidents outside of City boundaries with LVFD units to act as an agency representative and engage operationally as needed.
“This is the first time in LVFD history that a comprehensive, all-encompassing auto-aid agreement is being implemented. To some extent, our two agencies have even worked diligently to implement unprecedented practices, which is new to the entire LA operational area,” said Chief Chris Nigg. “I would like to thank LA County Fire for their continued collaboration and professionalism in developing an innovative plan to better the broader eastern LA County community.”
Joint training between LVFD and LACFD will be conducted routinely to maintain efficient interdepartmental coordination and tactical interoperability. For more information about LVFD’s services, visit LVFD’s website.