By Dave Eck
Enquirer contributor

Several Mill Creek Valley communities are discussing forming a joint fire district that, officials say, could incorporate neighboring fire departments into a single, more efficient operation.

Glendale Village Council has approved a resolution to explore a joint fire district, and Woodlawn and Lockland councils are expected to vote on similar resolutions this month.

Meanwhile, officials from Elmwood Place, Wyoming and Lincoln Heights are watching the discussions.

"We're definitely interested in participating in a study, Lockland Village Administrator Evonne Kovach said. "We believe there is definitely some duplication of service between our neighbors and us."

The effort is in preliminary stages, officials said.

A fire district could provide increased efficiency, better retention of employees, cut costs for municipalities and lead to lower insurance costs for residents and businesses, officials say.

"This is the way that we're going to have to go, (rather) than keeping things independently," Woodlawn Mayor Susan Upton Farley said. "I think that when we try to do everything independently, within a small radius, we just lose the overall effectiveness."

Fire officials say a fire district would decrease response times and improve service - particularly in medical emergencies. Two primary benefits: advanced life support and on-station staffing around the clock across the district.

Of the six departments, Woodlawn is the only one with 24-hour on-station staffing.

E-mail daveck@fuse.net