A new approach to fire service is set to begin in Reno and Sparks after both city councils unanimously approved a shared fire chief model that will put Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran in charge of both departments.
City leaders say the move is designed to improve response times, increase efficiency and expand service without merging the two agencies. Under the agreement, Reno Fire and Sparks Fire will remain separate departments, but Cochran will serve in a shared leadership role over both.
Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson said the idea came from looking for ways the cities could work together more effectively.
“I think the efficiencies. I think there’s dispatch efficiencies. I think there are mechanic efficiencies. I think there are just efficiencies all along the board. All of those things adding up,” Lawson said…