08/01/09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE 
 
REDONDO BEACH AND HERMOSA BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT CONSOLIDATION       
 
In the spirit of cooperative governance, the Cities of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach are expecting to explore options in the next 90 days for the creation of a new structure for delivering fire protection and paramedic services.  Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin and Hermosa Beach Mayor Kit Bobko will be requesting authorization from their respective City Councils to permit formal discussions exploring the feasibility of consolidation of the two fire agencies.   

The primary purpose of these discussions is to find ways to jointly improve the efficiency, economy and effectiveness in delivering sustainable fire protection and paramedic services for the two communities.  In a phased approach, the intent would be to create a single department reducing costs and developing a streamlined approach to fire suppression, paramedic, and disaster preparedness services to both communities.

 The Redondo Beach Fire Department has a budget of $15.1 million with 68 employees and the Hermosa Beach Fire Department has a budget of $5.4 million with 20 employees.