Fire and rescue services were provided by Garner Fire-Rescue, Inc., which operated as a private, non-profit corporation fire department that contracted with the Town and Wake County to provide services. Garner Fire-Rescue had existed as an independent, non-profit entity since its formation in 1952.

The Town currently is responsible for approximately 58.48 percent of Garner Fire-Rescue's overall funding in return for fire and rescue services within the Town’s corporate limits. Wake County provides approximately 41.52 percent of Garner Fire-Rescue's funding for services in roughly 60 square miles of unincorporated area around the Town of Garner.

A merger happens when two or more organizations agree to go forward with a shared vision to create a single new organization rather than remain separately managed and operated. There is generally a recognition that it is in the best interests of all parties to come together in a new, more effective and efficient version of the existing organizations.

The Town of Garner contracted with North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting (www.ncfirechief.com) in January 2021 to facilitate a process of review and determine the feasibility of creating a shared vision for the future for fire and rescue services in Garner and the unincorporated area in Wake County. The Town Council and Garner Fire-Rescue Board agreed to engage in a process that assisted both entities in planning and preparing for fire and rescue services as the Town and surrounding area continue to grow and develop.

In May 2024, the Town Council unanimously passed a resolution proposing unification of Garner Fire-Rescue, Inc., with the Town of Garner. The resolution directed Town staff to work with Garner Fire-Rescue and the NC Fire Chief Consulting Group on an organizational and financial analysis as the next steps moving forward with a merger. The Council approved a final merger agreement in March 2025.

The excellent service delivery to the residents Garner Fire-Rescue currently serve will not be affected. Daily operational responses will remain seamless through a merger.

Garner Fire-Rescue personnel will also become Town of Garner employees. There will be no reduction in staff associated with the merger.

A merger will have no impact on the cost-share agreement or the methodology for determining the cost share with Wake County.

There is no planned tax increase as a result of the merger since funding for Garner Fire-Rescue is already a part of the Town budget and since there will be no changes to the cost-share agreement and methodology for determining the cost share with Wake County.