SWEETWATER COUNTY — For first responders time is of the essence but challenges arise when you have to patrol the biggest county in the state. On Tuesday, the Sweetwater County Commissioners gave the Sweetwater County Fire Department a helping hand.

The commissioners approved a mutual aid agreement between the Carbon County Fire Department and the Sweetwater County Fire Department. While the two departments have worked together for many years, this year Carbon County asked for financial reimbursement for the services they provide. The agreement is for $12,000.

Where it takes an hour and a half for the Sweetwater County Fire Department to get to portions of the east side of the county, it takes Carbon County 15 minutes to get there. Sweetwater County Fire Warden Dave Bottemiller said Carbon County has also covered Bairoil in the past because of the response times.

Sweetwater County has also provided help to Carbon County when they have requested, especially down around Crescent Junction.

Overall, the commissioners were positive about the agreement. Chairman Wally Johnson said they have always worked well with the Carbon County Commissioners while Commissioner Gary Bailiff felt it was critical to the safety of residents and property on the other side of the county when making the motion.

Commissioner John Kolb questioned if there would be some form of a report which would show what Carbon County did for the $12,000. Bottemiller said in the agreement Carbon would document and report all activities.

Kolb said he felt the $12,000 was a reasonable starting point.

“Let’s try it and see how it goes,” Johnson said.

The Commission unanimously accepted the agreement.

Bottemiller explained agencies working together is beneficial to the residents, especially in time sensitive situations.

“We don’t have stations based all over the place,” Bottemiller said. “It is an hour and a half drive when they can be there in 15 minutes. That saves lives and property.”