The cites of East Lansing and Lansing discussed the possibility of having a combined interim fire chief once current Lansing Fire Chief Tom Cochran retires in January.
The municipalities made the announcement Friday morning and will discuss further details at Tuesday’s East Lansing City Council meeting.
Although both departments have been researching a combined, regionally-based service, East Lansing Interim City Manager George Lahanas said there have not been discussions of a merger of the two departments.
If both parties agree, East Lansing Fire Chief Randy Talifarro will take on the interim chief position after Cochran retires Jan. 15, 2012. Talifarro likely would be given a one-year contract, and the effectiveness of the combined position will be evaluated.
Both cities would split the cost of the contract proportionately, and Lansing would hire a deputy fire chief internally, but both municipalities are expected to save money by taking this route.
The final decision on this matter is expected to be given early next month.
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