The Decatur County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement for mutual aid regarding the fire truck response between the City of Bainbridge and Decatur County on Tuesday.

In August, Decatur County stationed a fire truck at the West Bainbridge fire station, complete with its own personnel, to assist Bainbridge whenever extra help is needed. The agreement formalizes how the aid will work, and also states that city fire trucks will respond, if needed, to the unincorporated areas of Decatur County.

“I talked to City Manager Chris Hobby about this issue, and he has no concerns, and I anticipate this will be presented at the next city meeting and approved,” Decatur County Administrator Alan Thomas said.

The agreement reads, “Decatur County Georgia and the City of Bainbridge have determined that it is to mutual advantage and benefit of each of the parties hereto that they render supplemental fire suppression, protection and prevention to the other party in the event of fire or other local emergency, and take part in joint training exercises.”

“They would come out upon my request or whoever my shift officer is,” Decatur County Fire Chief Charlie McCann added. “If we need their help out in the county, they will come out to us.”

The agreement states that it will be terminated on Dec. 31, 2015, and each Dec. 31 after that. It will automatically be renewed on Jan. 1 of each year, unless either party provides the other with a written notice within 90 days prior.

Commissioner Russell Smith said he was excited to see the mutual aid agreement signed and the county and city accomplishing new goals together.

“That shows we are not just talking about working together with city, we are working together with the city, and the city is working with us to help the citizens of Decatur County,” Smith said. “It’s pleasing to see that.”

The next City of Bainbridge meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Bainbridge City Council Chambers.