Henderson and Evansville fire departments are bridging the resource gap with a formal agreement which allows firefighters to operate on both sides of the river during disaster situations.
Evansville's city council formalized a Mutual Aid Assistance Agreement between the fire departments with a resolution Monday evening.
Fire Chief Mike Connelly said Mutual Aid Assistance Agreements are common within state boundaries, but between states they become more complicated.
The agreement allows firefighters in Evansville to go to Henderson and have their medical certifications recognized and be covered by worker’s comp, he said.
Connelly added the agreement won't leave one department understaffed because the other has requested assistance.
"Just because they request the resources, doesn’t mean that we need to give them," he said. "If we’re dealing with a disaster or multi-alarm fire, and we don’t have the resources to give, then we’re not obligated.”
The Mutual Aid Assistance Agreement renews annually and is similar to an agreement which already exists between Evansville and Henderson police.