Staff 1/5/23 Staff 1/5/23

Community Meetings Scheduled for Potential Merger Between Town and Garner Fire-Rescue

The Town of Garner, NC Government and Garner Fire Rescue are holding two community informational meetings next week about a possible merger between the two entities.

The Town of Garner and Garner Fire-Rescue will hold two community meetings to hear resident input about the potential merger between the two agencies. These two sessions will be held:

Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. at Garner Town Hall, Second Floor Training Room, 900 7th Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at Panther Branch Community Center, 10900 Ten Ten Road

The meetings are open to the public and will be facilitated by an independent, third-party group, NC Fire Chief Consulting, which works together with counties and municipalities across North Carolina on similar initiatives.

During each meeting session, there will be a brief informational component, followed by the consultants asking for public feedback from those in attendance. Summaries of the input received during these two sessions will be provided to Town elected officials and Garner Fire-Rescue Board of Director members.

In addition, there will be a public survey distributed throughout the community following the two public meeting sessions.

The Town of Garner and Garner Fire-Rescue have been discussing the possibility of consolidating operations for approximately the past five years. Garner Fire-Rescue currently operates as a private, non-profit corporation fire department that contracts with the Town of Garner and Wake County.

The Town of Garner now provides approximately 56.5 percent of the fire department’s overall funding for providing fire and rescue services within the Town. Wake County provides approximately 43.5 percent of the department’s funding for providing services in roughly 60 square miles of unincorporated area around the Town of Garner.

Garner Fire-Rescue is one of only 10 fire departments in North Carolina that is both nationally accredited and holds an insurance Class 1 rating. The rigorous accreditation process ensures residents that they are consistently receiving the level of service that they are paying for, and that the fire department meets all essential core competencies. The insurance (or ISO) rating directly reduces insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses. Class 1 is the highest rating earned in the United States.

Any person wishing to comment in writing, prior to the public meetings, may do so by forwarding comments to the Town of Garner communications team at 900 7th Ave., Garner, NC 27529, or by emailing them to garnerpio@garnernc.gov.

The Town of Garner strives to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to access its programs, services and activities. If you will require assistance to participate in either one of these sessions, we request that you contact the Town of Garner communications team at least five business days before the event.

FAQs about a possible merger.

How do we provide fire and rescue service now and how is it funded?

Fire and rescue service is provided by Garner Fire-Rescue Inc. The independent agency has contracts with the Town of Garner as well as Wake County to provide each jurisdiction emergency services within the Town limits and unincorporated area in Wake County. The agency was formed as a non-profit organization in 1952 and still operates in that capacity today.

What is a merger?

A merger happens when two or more organizations agree to go forward with a shared vision to create a single new organization rather than remain separately managed and operated. In some cases, there is a recognition that it is in the best interests of all parties to come together in a new, more effective and efficient version of the existing organizations.

Why consider a merger now?

The Town of Garner contracted with North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting (www.ncfirechief.com) in January 2021 to facilitate a process of review and determine the feasibility of creating a shared vision for the future for fire and rescue services in Garner and the unincorporated area in Wake County. The Town Council and Garner Fire-Rescue Board agreed to engage in a process that assisted both entities in planning and preparing for fire and rescue services as the Town and surrounding area continues to grow and develop.

How would a merger affect service?

Service delivery to the residents whom the Garner Fire-Rescue currently serve should not be affected. Daily operational responses should remain seamless through a merger.

What is the timeframe for completing a merger?

It would take approximately 12 months from when the final agreements and implementation strategy are approved.

Would this affect the Town’s current cost share with Wake County?

A merger should have no impact on the cost share agreement nor the methodology for determining the cost share with Wake County.

Staff 12/1/22 Staff 12/1/22

Garner and Wake County, Hold Groundbreaking for Caddy Road Public Safety Station

The new public safety station will house Garner Fire-Rescue, Wake County EMS and Garner Police in a fast-growing part of town around the U.S. 401-Ten Ten intersection. The facility should take about a year to build.

Wake County and the Town of Garner on Nov. 29 held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Caddy Road Public Safety Station planned for a fast-growing part of Garner (the U.S. 401-Ten Ten area).

The 16,000-square-foot station is a partnership between Wake County and the Town. It will primarily house Garner Fire-Rescue and Wake County EMS but will also offer touch-down space for the Garner Police Department.

The facility will include four full-apparatus bays, company day rooms, offices, a conference room, an exercise space, a kitchen and dining areas.

The building should be completed by winter 2023-24. The project was made possible in part by $6.5 million in Public Safety and Services Facilities bonds approved by Garner voters in November 2021.

Staff 6/12/22 Staff 6/12/22

Bring The Heat! Event - Aristotle Spirits

In honor of their First Anniversary Bash, Aristotle Spirits is hosting a Bring the Heat Cook-OFF! They will also be releasing their Habanero Vodka.

In honor of their First Anniversary Bash, Aristotle Spirits is hosting a Bring the Heat Cook-OFF! They will also be releasing their Habanero Vodka.
There is no fee for participation in the Cook-OFF. Participants are welcome to bring a charcoal grill or smoker. We encourage you to make any dish. The competition will be judged on the overall best of show, so anything goes.
If you would like to bring a pop-up tent and any additional supplies feel free. We will be more than happy to provide additional tables and chairs. You will be able to set up as early as 8am the day of.

Grand Prize includes Aristotle Swag, a $100 Gift Card, First Edition New Release Product, and much more.

If you would like to participate in the competition please visit https://aristotle-spirits.square.site/
or Contact Macie:
macie@aristotlespirits.com

Aristotle Spirits will have an outdoor bar and yard games all day. We will also be hosting a Raffle that benefits Garner Fire Rescue.

Staff 9/23/21 Staff 9/23/21

Garner Firemen’s Festival October 2nd

Food – BBQ Plates, Hot dogs, Fries, Chick-fil-a Sandwiches, Funnel Cakes, and Bake Sale

Entertainment – Inflatable Bounce House & Slide, Rock Climbing Wall, Kids Firefighter Combat Challenge, Public Safety Education Center, Hot Car Display, Spot the Tot Rug, Fire Safety House, Moose the Fire Dog, and 50 vendors will be in attendance