What would happen if:

[FIREguy2011]

All the fire deparments in the tidewater area (extending to the Carolinas and DC) merged into one big snafu? Would ranks be added? equipment be added? what would be different and what would change? Would it gain more funding or fall victim to the fire of budget cuts?

[BoxAlarm187]

All the fire deparments in the tidewater area (extending to the Carolinas and DC) merged into one big snafu?

By using the term "snafu" to describe this multi-state fire department, you've pretty much answered your own question.

Also, for what it's worth, to a Virginian, the term "Tidewater" describes about 10 cities and counties in around Norfolk and Virginia Beach. What you're describing is better described as the Mid-Atlantic.

Would ranks be added?

Added and deleted. Some departments have engineers, some don't. Some departments have lieutenants, some don't. Some have additional financial compensation for ALS providers, some don't.

equipment be added?

Most departments likely have the rolling stock they need.

what would be different and what would change?

Ranks, schedules, pay, paint colors, helmets, administration styles, box alarm assignments, training standards, retirement plans, turnout gear, schedules, vacation picks, volunteer incentives, purchasing plans, apparatus replacement schedules, apparatus numbering plans, union dues, addressing differences between volunteer/career/combination systems, tax bases, relationships between the FD and the local and state governments.....

Would it gain more funding or fall victim to the fire of budget cuts?

With each local government being able to contribute different amounts, who knows...