The committee studying the possible integration of the Empire and Glen Arbor fire departments met for the first time this week.

Glen Arbor Supervisor John Soderholm said the committee, made up of representatives from both township and their fire chiefs, met Tuesday and reviewed the current operational status of both departments and discussed the possible advantages of future collaboration.

Glen Arbor representatives in the talks are Soderholm, Treasurer Terry Gretzema and Bill Batterson of the township’s Emergency Services Advisory Committee. Empire is represented by township Supervisor Bill Bolton, George Wilson and Doug Lake. Serving as “resource” experts for the effort will be Glen Arbor chief John Dodson and Empire chief Ryan Deering.

Both townships have provided joint emergency medical services since 2001. However, the arrangement was a long time in coming — three years after talks began. Cost of EMS operations are now shared equally by Glen Arbor and Empire. Any capital expenditures greater than $500 are covered by Glen Arbor. North Flight serves as the human resources agent for rescue operations.