Highland Beach Fire Rescue | Highland Beach Establishing Independent EMS & Fire Rescue
The City of Highland Beach began with a benign, yet impactful dispute related to water treatment. Recognizing their own need for internalized water treatment services and Boca Raton's then unwillingness to provide the aid needed, Highland Beach incorporated in 1949. In the years that followed, Highland Beach remained a pseudo-independent township, acting on its own accord while relying on the municipal services of its neighboring towns.
EFFICIENCY THROUGH CONSOLIDATION
While water treatment, city administration, and the police department have remained staples of Highland Beach's city services, the Fire Department and Emergency Medical teams that dispatch to Highland Beach are sourced from Delray Beach to the north. In spring 2021, the City of Delray Beach refused to renegotiate the terms of the service contract. In conjunction with key findings from third party feasibility analysis, the City of Highland Beach chose to act.
WHY HIGHLAND BEACH CHOSE TO ACT
Much like its 1949 incorporation, Highland Beach once again was compelled to take matters into its own hands. Highland Beach approached the table to work through their differences with the Delray Beach Fire Department. Despite good faith efforts, the writing was on the wall. Highland Beach is one of the wealthiest per-capita cities in the United States, with an average age of nearly 68. The city has the financial health, and aged citizenry that puts it squarely in position for a new Fire Department...