Lake Forest, Libertyville Propose Merging With Knollwood FD, RFPD

LAKE FOREST, IL — The governments of Lake Forest and Libertyville announced a plan Thursday to provide fire and emergency services to the Rockland Fire Protection District. A joint draft proposal is set to go before the Libertyvillle Village Board at its next meeting Tuesday. The City of Lake Forest and the Village of Libertyville think the partnership would be cost-effective, according to a news release from the Lake Forest Fire Department.

The deal would provide residents of the RFPD the benefits of the full-time service of two professional fire departments – and it could make initial emergency response more efficient and back-up support more effective, according to the release.

Current volunteer personnel would be able to continue serving the community and train with other members of the Lake Forest Fire Department. Existing fire apparatus, equipment and facilities could be sold with the money returned to taxpayers in the RDPD.

Lake Forest and Libertyville firefighters and paramedics have worked side by side with RFPD's dedicated volunteers for many years, and the City of Lake Forest and the Village of Libertyville have provided or are now providing emergency services to the district, according to the release.

Talk of joining forces started in 2012 and continued through this year, with the board of the RFPD requesting proposals from Libertyville and Lake Forest. After thoughtful consideration, both municipalities decided they could improve efficiency and provide more benefits by joining forces.

By working together, according to the release, they developed a plan to focus on enhancing responsiveness and improving cost-effectiveness. In the release, the City of Lake Forest and the Village of Libertyville said this proposal meets the important goals of enhancing services, reducing costs and respecting the values and traditions of the RFPD.

The RFPD is the taxing body for the volunteer Knollwood Fire Department. According to its website, it was founded in 1947 and serves fewer than 5,000 residents in unincorporated Lake Bluff and surrounding areas.

» via the Lake Forest Fire Department, Libertyville Fire Department

_{Top photo: Knollwood Fire Department | Google Street View}