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Papillion takes over fire calls for La Vista

PAPILLION, Neb. (AP) — The Papillion Fire Department will now provide fire and rescue services for the neighboring city of La Vista.

Omaha television station KETV reports that the switch was made official Tuesday, following a ceremony to honor more than 50 volunteers with the former La Vista Volunteer Fire Department.

Papillion Rural Fire District President Jack Miller says the move was necessary, because the Omaha suburb of La Vista is now too big to be covered solely by a volunteer department.

The new fire district covers 67 square miles with more than 60,000 people.

Fifty-one full-time firefighters will staff four fire houses around the clock. The Papillion City Council approved the hiring of 12 more full-time firefighters, four of whom used to be La Vista volunteers, at a Tuesday meeting.

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Information from: KETV-TV, http://www.ketv.com

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