The idea for shared fire services was sparked by an ongoing study examining a proposal to share fire services in six regional municipalities, which East Lansing and Lansing are a part of. Officials said joint services might help cut costs.

It has been two months since the merging of the departmental administration, and The State News took a moment to check in with Talifarro and see how the change has affected campus.

The State News: Do you think this is a better way to control fires on MSU’s campus?

Randall Talifarro: Any time you have automatic assistance with another agency, it will improve your ability to respond to large events and large fires. So in some respect, there are benefits to both communities in that regard.

SN: Have you had to use both departments to handle one fire yet?

RT: We haven’t had an event yet that has required that kind of joint response. We’ve been fortunate — knock on wood.

SN: What are some current projects the East Lansing and Lansing fire departments are working on as the departments are examined through the merger study?

RT: With our inability to predict what the study might say or what recommendations might be made from the study, we thought it might be a good time to take a pause … At the same time we’re looking at more opportunities to partner (with other groups) and evaluate the operations of each group.

SN: What are the plans for the future of the Lansing and East Lansing fire departments?

RT: I expect that we will work together more closely in the future. Obviously, it would be premature to make any assurances, but based on some of the things that will be included in the study (we will). We’re waiting on the consultants recommendations, but under any scenario, we’ll begin to work more closely together.