The Barrington Courier-Review recently published an article highlighting the ongoing uncertainty surrounding a mutual-aid agreement between the Barrington Fire Department and the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District as their separation approaches. With less than two weeks until the two departments begin operating independently, no formal agreement has been finalized yet.
The Village of Barrington had set a goal to have a deal in place by its December 16 meeting, but the issue was not discussed during that session. Barrington Fire Chief James Arie stated that the village has submitted proposals, but has not received a response from district officials. These agreements would outline how each department would assist the other during emergencies across jurisdictional lines. In the meantime, the village has already secured automatic aid arrangements with fire departments in Lake Zurich, Long Grove, and Palatine, while continuing negotiations with other local agencies.
“We’ve got resources around us that are ready to respond to our needs every day,†Arie said, adding that the Barrington Fire Department is eager to transition to independent operations on January 1.
Meanwhile, the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District has made progress by finalizing an automatic aid agreement with the Palatine Rural Fire Protection District. The deal, approved on December 16, ensures residents in both areas will continue to receive high-quality fire and emergency medical services.
Under the agreement, the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District will provide a fire engine or water tanker for all structure fires within Palatine Rural’s jurisdiction. In return, Palatine Rural will send an Advanced Life Support engine for calls south of Lake-Cook Road and offer initial fire and paramedic response for incidents on the eastern edge of the Barrington district.
District Fire Chief Jeff Swanson emphasized that the agreement was crafted with the goal of maintaining excellence in service. “Our only consideration was to ensure that any agreement helped us fulfill our mission,†he said. “We’re confident in this arrangement and will meet regularly over the next year to maintain it.â€
The agreement is set to take effect on January 1, and the Palatine Rural Board of Trustees is expected to approve it at a special meeting later this month.
“This agreement took longer than anticipated, but it guarantees our residents will continue to receive top-tier fire and emergency medical services,†said Palatine Rural Fire Chief Hank Clemmensen.
In addition to the new mutual-aid agreement, the Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District also approved the purchase of a new 3,000-gallon water tanker. Officials say the vehicle will significantly enhance the district’s ability to deliver water to areas without hydrants.
“We were lucky to find a pre-built unit that met our needs,†said Barrington Countryside Fire Chief Brian Rowan. “It saves us from waiting eight months for a custom-built one.†The $205,000 tanker, manufactured by Minnesota-based Midwest Fire Equipment firm Luverne, arrived at the district headquarters in mid-December.
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