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La Verne council agrees to explore regional fire and EMS model with Pomona, appoints ad hoc subcommittee
Summary
After briefings from staff and fire leadership, the La Verne City Council voted to pursue further study of a possible regional fire and EMS partnership with Pomona and named an ad hoc subcommittee (Mayor Heburn and Council Member Laauo) to meet with Pomona counterparts and ESA consultants.
City Manager Domer told the council that Pomona—having served by LA County Fire since 1994—received a 365‑day termination notice from the county earlier in 2025 and has asked consultants (ESA) to study alternatives, including a new regional model. Domer said preliminary analysis suggests a localized regional system could yield operational and financial efficiencies for both cities.
Fire Chief (unnamed) and Deputy Chief Brandon Cotney described La Verne Fire’s operational readiness and mutual/automatic aid relationships with neighboring jurisdictions, and indicated the department supports further evaluation so long as La Verne’s service levels, local oversight and fiscal stability are protected.
Consultant Bill Adams (ESA) and staff answered residents' questions about governance, service levels, timelines and potential impacts. Multiple residents and council members cautioned that the process must preserve La Verne’s core services and that timeline pressures should not force a rushed decision.
Council action: After public comment and internal discussion the council voted to move forward with studying the idea and to form an ad hoc subcommittee. The mayor announced an initial voice count (3–1 with Council Member Johnson dissenting) during discussion; the clerk later recorded a formal motion appointing Mayor Heburn and Council Member Laauo to the ad hoc committee. Council directed staff and consultants to return with detailed fiscal, operational and governance analysis before any binding decision.
What happens next: The ad hoc committee will meet with Pomona’s parallel subcommittee and ESA staff; the ad hoc’s findings and any proposed agreements will return to full council for public hearings and decisions. No transfer of service or contract changes were authorized at this meeting.
Context: The discussion stemmed from Pomona’s negotiations with LA County Fire; La Verne’s fire department emphasized that any regional approach must maintain or improve existing response standards and emergency medical services for La Verne residents.
