The Lansing Regional Chamber has come out in support of the decision to name a single fire chief to oversee the City of Lansing and East Lansing Fire Departments. Randy Talifarro, who has served as fire chief in East Lansing for the past 11 years will oversee both departments, at least until a regional fire study being directed by Michigan State University is completed. Taifarro was named joint fire chief following the retirement of Lansing fire chief Tom Cochran.
 

“The appointment of Randy Talifarro as joint Lansing/East Lansing fire chief is a positive step forward for our region,” said Kristin Beltzer, LRCC senior vice president for government relations and public affairs. “The Chamber is encouraged to see elected officials are increasingly embracing what we have been promoting for many years—a more regional approach in local government.”
 

In a letter to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and East Lansing Mayor Dianne Goddeeris, the Chamber praised the move to name a joint fire chief as being a good move from both a fire services delivery and financial standpoints. The letter states:
 

“The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce understands the fiscal challenges being faced by local governments that are trying to maintain quality services despite declining revenues. It has been our consistent position to encourage city and township officials to explore opportunities to achieve greater efficiency through regionalism, sharing and consolidation of services. We believe that local government reform and regional collaboration are the keys to providing taxpayers with cost-effective government and streamlines services.”
 

The letter also noted the Chamber’s strong support of the ongoing regional Emergency Services Study involving Lansing, East Lansing and four townships. The study is expected to identify further consolidation opportunities in the region. Results of the fire study are expected in the spring.