Starting next month, the Perry Volunteer Fire Department will officially take over fire protection responsibilities for those in the City of Dawson.

Both city councils approved a 28E agreement at their meetings this week.

Perry firefighters, and those who decide to stay on from the Dawson Fire Department, will manage the Dawson fire station as a satellite location.

Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds says this is something that is beneficial to both communities.

“Definitely this is a win-win for all involved.  There’s going to be the duel response from both the Dawson station and the Perry station, where in the past Dawson would go out and assess the situation and if they needed mutual aid then they’d call Perry and other fire departments to come in and help them.  This way we’re automatically rolling right along with them so that’s going to take away that time delay if they need the help, because the help is already going to be on the way.”

Dawson will pay Perry $1,500 annually for fire and first responder service, based on $0.30 per thousand assessed value of property within the City’s corporate limits.  Additionally, Perry will pick up service to the area townships that were previously serviced by the Dawson Fire Department and also receive funds from those living in the rural areas.