Clark County court approves mutual-aid agreement with Winchester after clarifying command and reciprocity
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Summary
Following discussion about reciprocity and who holds on-scene command, the fiscal court approved a mutual-aid agreement with the city of Winchester; the county attorney reviewed the draft and the county will pursue an automatic-aid agreement next.
Clark County fiscal court approved a mutual-aid agreement with the city of Winchester on a voice vote after clarifying language about reciprocity and on-scene command.
A magistrate raised concerns that the draft appeared to read as if Winchester were primarily the recipient of aid rather than a reciprocal partner. Fire leadership said the draft mirrors the city's template previously used with Lexington and can be rewritten to place Clark County first if the court prefers. The county attorney reviewed the draft and indicated it was acceptable. The fire chief explained command protocol: responding city officers will operate until county officers arrive, at which point county authorities assume command.
Court members emphasized that the signed mutual-aid document is a first step, with automatic-aid agreements and joint training to follow. A motion to approve the agreement was made, seconded and carried. Commissioners noted the city had already approved and signed its version of the agreement.
The action formally authorizes mutual aid between Clark County and Winchester under the terms discussed; staff and the fire chief said they will continue work on automatic-aid details and any revisions requested by the county.