The City of McKenzie and the Carroll County Fire Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at McKenzie’s Council Meeting July 10, formalizing a partnership in emergency response.
“This just puts on paper what we’ve already been doing,” said McKenzie Fire Chief Brian Tucker. “It’s a 50-50, give-and-take agreement that brings our departments even closer together.”
Under the MOU, McKenzie Fire Department will assist the County on calls in designated county areas, including those surrounding their primary service zone. Likewise, Carroll County will provide equipment and support for McKenzie as needed.
Carroll County Fire Chief Jonathan Gaskins added that the MOU allows both departments to maximize coverage, especially in rural areas.
McKenzie’s firefighters already train regularly with Station 10 (Macedonia), and the MOU will ensure automatic response from McKenzie on calls in that district.
McKenzie City Attorney Beau Pemberton described the agreement as standard fare, saying it clearly defines the responsibilities of each agency and helps protect both departments when sharing equipment or personnel.
“We’re working closer than ever before,” Tucker said. “This is just the next step in strengthening our partnership.”
