This is now existing but was newly entered into during 2013. In 2013 Ingham MABAS division was created. All metro partners have signed resolutions creating the Ingham County Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. MABAS creates a vehicle in which the metro departments streamline the mutual aid process into an automatic resource response to the agency with the emergency.
The savings due to mutual aid agreements are immeasurable but there is a savings because we did not have to hire additional personnel that are supplied when needed by other area agencies.
Barriers: Any delay or barriers to full implementation will likely be establishing guidelines and determining how this will work through the dispatching center.
Update 2014: It is unknown what the timeline may be for total implementation; however, the Fire Chiefs will continue to meet throughout the year, working together to see this project to fruition.