06/21/2026
Effective June 1st, both the Three Rivers and Bondsville Fire Departments have entered into an automatic aid agreement designed to enhance public safety and ensure a timely response to emergencies that may require additional resources.
This agreement improves the efficiency of our operations by ensuring that necessary backup units are dispatched immediately, rather than waiting for an initial assessment on the scene of an emergency . This proactive approach establishes a unified command structure and a joint accountability system, which significantly increases the safety of personnel from both departments. Currently, these joint operations occur from the early morning through the late afternoon, with the potential for expansion in the future.
Furthermore, the two departments have begun training together multiple times a month. By practicing joint operations, responder accountability, and communication protocols now, we ensure a more seamless and professional integration when responding to high-priority incidents.
Automatic aid agreements are not a new concept practiced by the Fire Districts throughout the town. For years, automatic aid agreements have been in place for high risk building and facilities (schools and hospitals). In the event of a fire alarm at any of these facilities, all three departments throughout the town are simultaneously dispatched. In the event of a structure fire anywhere in Palmer, all three departments are again dispatched simultaneously.
As staffing challenges continue to affect fire services nationwide, these automatic aid agreements are an imperative tool. They allow us to maintain the high level of service you expect and deserve by pooling our resources effectively. We are proud to build upon the Fire Districts long-standing tradition of mutual support to better serve our residents.
