The Fuquay Varina Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 approved a new mutual aid agreement with Wake County Emergency Management to clarify procedures, reimbursement and alignment with federal and state guidance for coordinated emergency response.

Fire Chief Jones told the board the new agreement updates an existing mutual aid arrangement dating to 1998 and aligns processes for requesting and providing assistance. "The proposed recommendation by motion tonight is to approve the Wake County Emergency Management mutual aid agreement between the town of Fuquay Varina and Wake County as presented and recommended subject to town attorney review as to form," Jones said.

Chief Jones noted municipalities in Wake County have long assisted one another in emergencies; the new agreement standardizes current federal and state practices and updates language on reimbursement and procedures. He referenced the town’s long history of mutual aid with neighboring departments during events such as open houses or when stations are temporarily out of service.

The board moved, seconded and approved the agreement; the motion carried and was recorded in the meeting as passed. The approval is subject to final town attorney review as to form, Chief Jones said.

The agreement covers municipal resources the town may provide or request from other municipalities in the county, the state or the nation, Chief Jones added. No roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.