STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Cities of Sun Valley and Ketchum are joining hands to study possible ways they might coordinate their police and fire departments to enhance the safety and welfare of residents, visitors and businesses at lower cost to taxpayers.
Sun Valley Mayor Peter Hendricks and Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw announced this week that they have asked Sun Valley Public Safety Director Walt Femling to talk with residents and city staff to see if there are any changes that can be made to improve economic efficiency and better delivery of services.
“This is a study, not a commitment at this point. We will make the judgment when Femling comes back to decide if we want to proceed,” Hendricks said.
Both mayors said they hope Femling will be able to present his findings to both city councils by mid-September. But, they noted, that could change if something like the Sharps Fire commands Femling’s attention.
“We want to be transparent so, of course, there will be opportunity for residents and businesses and even visitors to weigh in,” said Bradshaw.
As the valley continues to grow and host larger events, the need for enhanced coordination and coverage becomes more apparent, the mayors said. A larger unified department could also provide more opportunities for professional growth and development.
Hendricks noted that the idea has been floating around for 25 years but encountered some rocky moments along the way. But the two cities have worked together on Festival Meadows and the Ketchum Town Square. Most recently, they worked together on a fire training facility that should come online in the next couple of months.
“The idea that we were able to talk about it together gave everybody the idea that perhaps we can do more,” said Hendricks.
“The political will is there now,” Bradshaw added.
Everything is open to examination, including personnel, equipment, and Ketchum’s contract with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Department.
“The sheriff has been extremely supportive about us looking into options that enhance the safety of this community,” Bradshaw said.
Ketchum has 14 firefighters and 13 police officers. Sun Valley has eight firefighters and 12 police officers.
“We’re very, very confident we’re going to have a positive experience with this,” said Hendricks.