Grass Valley and Nevada City fire departments to merge

“On Tuesday November 10, 2020 the City Councils of both Grass Valley and Nevada City met in separate meetings but returned with unanimous decisions to support the full integration of their fire departments,” according to a press release.

“Beginning December 23rd the two formerly separate departments will have and a single fire administration overseen by Fire Chief, Mark Buttron.

“The new organization is tentatively being labeled the Grass Valley / Nevada City Fire Department. The name reflects the desire of each city to retain their identity and honor the long history and traditions of their fire departments. Grass Valley Fire Department was founded in 1853 and Nevada City Fire Department in 1860.

“Prior to becoming a unified agency, the two departments operated for nearly 20 years under an agreement that allowed for a drop boundary, closest resource response between the two agencies. Working closely over that period of time the leadership developed many programs and efficiencies that streamlined daily operations to the point it became natural for the two departments to become one.”