Officials in Coral Springs and nearby cities have realized it makes sense to join hands for common good.

The Coral Springs City Commission approved an agreement with Margate, Parkland and Coconut Creek for regionalizing fire and rescue operations. When there's a problem, the closest unit will automatically respond.

The cooperative fire protection deal - in effect through September - provides aid for putting out fires, dive-rescue operations, vehicle extrication, communication and training for the four cities.

”The arrangement will eliminate duplication of services and allow for the sharing of resources and enhance emergency response times," a commission memo said. "Each party agrees that this agreement is an equitable exchange of services that shall not require monetary exchange for services."