9 Warren County volunteer fire departments to merge

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The landscape of the fire protection in Warren County is changing.

According to a release, the Warren County Fire Department System announced the nine Warren County volunteer fire departments will merge and operate as the Warren County Fire Department, effective September 1.

WCFDS states that the merger will improve fire protection and streamline operations, according to a review conducted by the Kentucky Fire Commission.

The merger will create new positions within the Warren County Fire Department System.

Bill Rector will serve as the first Warren County Fire Chief, and Michael Alden will serve as the first Warren County Deputy Fire Chief.

“This is a monumental step forward. It reflects our unwavering commitment to keeping the citizens of Warren County at the forefront of every decision we make,” said Warren County Judge Executive Doug Gorman.

According to a release, Warren County Fiscal Court will serve as the Authority Having Jurisdiction. A centralized administrative system will replace oversight by individual department board of directors.

The release goes on to state that volunteers are still essential under the new system. A goal of the transition is to provide volunteers with more training and support.