Landmark agreement signed between local fire departments to improve public safety

BRIMFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) -- Brimfield, Yates City, Farmington, Elmwood and Williamsfield fire departments signed a joint agreement on Tuesday to expand their work relationship and reduce their response time.

Called the Heartland agreement, the five volunteer fire departments will work together in joint training sessions, share high-tech equipment and share in bulk purchases.

Also signed onto the agreement is the Canton Graham Hospital, who will sell bulk items to these volunteer fire departments for a lower price.

A huge issue for these fire departments is the current communication system. Even though these towns are relatively nearby, they have three separate dispatches and three separate radio systems.

"It's 2025 we've got to be able to be able to communicate more efficiently," said El