Towns operate under agreements to provide “mutual” aid to each other. The concept is a simple one: neighbors help neighbors in time of trouble. When there is a working fire here in Collingswood, Haddon Township firefighters respond to help. When there is a serious police matter in Oaklyn, Collingswood police will respond. Unfortunately, the budget crisis facing most towns is placing stresses on these mutual aid relationships. 

    Camden City recently cut their Fire Department overtime and vehicle maintenance budget. Since that time, Collingswood’s Fire Department began to be dispatched to Camden fire calls in the first instance. We were being called for any job, not just those that were so serious that more help was needed. Because Camden did not have adequate manpower if a man called out sick, our Department was being regularly dispatched into the City.  

    In 2008, Collingswood assisted Camden 8 times; in the first 2 months of 2009, Collingswood assisted Camden 40 times. In 2008 and so far in 2009, Camden has not assisted in Collingswood. 

    We wrote to Camden City and advised them of the problem and our decision to only respond to an “all hands” fire. (A copy of the letter is attached) That means we will continue to assist Camden when there is an actual fire requiring assistance but we will not respond on a first call to a fire alarm or other first calls. To their credit, Camden immediately made internal changes to implement our change in the response process. (Copy attached.) 

    I am afraid this issue will arise in police and fire service more and more as budget crunches cause reduction in services and neighboring towns are called to assist in the first instance, whether there is a true emergency or not. These issues will test our balance of protecting our own resources and helping our neighbor in their time of need. It’s a new issue in public safety that we will be seeing time and time again. Be assured that we will always work first to ensure we are protecting our own while remaining mindful of helping our neighbor with aid that is truly mutual.