West Covina : Fire Department Breakup

The San Gabriel Valley Fire Authority, a joint Fire Department serving West Covina and Covina, will be dissolved in February, after action taken by the West Covina City Council Monday.

Departments from the two cities were merged in 1986 with the hope of providing expanded and more cost-effective fire protection. It was also hoped that the combined department would give both cities more access to equipment in case of emergency.

Almost from the outset, however, the merger was plagued by labor problems. In addition, Covina critics said the city’s level of fire protection has diminished since the merger, with West Covina receiving all the intended benefits.

The Covina City Council had previously approved the breakup date.