East Fork Professional Firefighters

East Fork Professional Firefighters Local 3726 represents the professional firefighters of the East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts. p The Presidency was passed to John Ballona.
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The East Fork Fire and Paramedic Employee's Association (later changed to East Fork Professional Firefighters) was formed on November 23, 1996 with twelve original members. The officers consisted of President Ron Haskins, Vice President Bob Barrett, and Secretary\Treasurer Walt Kesteloot. In 2000 the union was instrumental in adding the position of Fire Fighter to our job title. Previously the mem

bers of Local 3726 were assigned to ambulances only. With the drop in volunteerism within Douglas County, career Firefighters\Paramedic's started to staff fire engines as well as ambulances. In January of 2004 the creation of the Battalion Chief within our organization promoted our President and VP out of the union. Currently Kevin May is the president of Local 3726. Our Executive Board consists of 7 members representing a membership of 82. EFPF has come a very long way in our very short existence and continues to be a dominant driving force in shaping the future of the East Fork Fire Protection District. This is accomplished by following the International Association of Firefighters\International Association of Fire Chiefs Agreement to meet mutual goals of ensuring the well-being and safety of personnel.

05/26/2026

Good afternoon all.

It has been brought to our attention that some citizens are concerned about a change in the current department logo/seal. We appreciate you sharing your thoughts. Wanted to offer some perspective from the people who work here every day.

The membership and employees of East Fork Fire asked Chief Ernst to look at updating the department's image. This wasn't a top-down decision, it came from us, and honestly, it's something we've wanted for years. We've watched agencies across the region modernize their logos, apparatus color schemes, and uniforms over the past several years, and we felt it was time for East Fork to do the same.

This also isn't unprecedented. The seal you're referring to wasn't the original, it was introduced by a past chief when he took over. A subsequent chief let it ride, and then another chief redesigned it again with his own vision for the department. Now, roughly 25 years later, Chief Ernst is doing the same thing that chiefs before him have done. That's not disrespect for history. That's how organizations evolve.

We have a lot of pride in this department and where it came from. That doesn't go away because a seal gets updated. What we're proud of is the work, the community, and the people-not a logo.
We appreciate that Chief Ernst has been willing to listen to the membership and make changes that reflect where this department is headed. That's the kind of leadership we asked for.

Thank you,
East Fork Professional Firefighters

After more than 26 years of dedicated service with East Fork Fire and over 30 years of combined public service, Captain ...
05/15/2026

After more than 26 years of dedicated service with East Fork Fire and over 30 years of combined public service, Captain Brian Nelson has decided to hang up the turnouts for good.

Captain Nelson was a leader, mentor, and role model to multiple generations of firefighters. He was the cornerstone of East Fork’s paramedic internship program and served on incident management teams across the United States, helping communities during some of their most challenging times.

Throughout his career, Captain Nelson made a lasting impact not only on the fire service, but on the countless firefighters, paramedics, and citizens he served alongside. His knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the job helped shape the culture and future of East Fork Fire.

Congratulations, Captain Nelson, on an incredible career and well-earned retirement. Thank you for your decades of service, leadership, and dedication. We wish you nothing but health, happiness, and success in this next chapter.

05/13/2026

East Fork Brush 12 and Tender 12 crews were engaged on the south flank of the fire. Collectively, through a quick and aggressive response, East Fork and CCFD crews were able to quickly wrap the fire with hose lines and transition into mop-up operations in a relatively short amount of time.

RIP Brother. Please share the love and support the gofundme.
05/05/2026

RIP Brother. Please share the love and support the gofundme.

This morning at approximately 0800 hours, East Fork Fire Protection District units were dispatched to a single-vehicle s...
04/28/2026

This morning at approximately 0800 hours, East Fork Fire Protection District units were dispatched to a single-vehicle semi-truck accident just south of Holbrook Junction.

Upon arrival, crews found a logging truck on its side, with its load of logs blocking the highway. Firefighters quickly secured the scene, assessed the driver, and worked alongside partner agencies to manage hazards and begin clearing the roadway.

One patient was involved in the incident. No other vehicles or individuals were affected.

Motorists are reminded to use caution when traveling through the area and to be alert for emergency personnel and equipment operating on the roadway. KRNV News 4KOLO 8 News Now KTVN 2 News

04/19/2026

Thank you for the help Washoe County Sheriff's Office

Today at approximately 10:00 a.m., East Fork Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Douglas C...
04/18/2026

Today at approximately 10:00 a.m., East Fork Fire Protection District, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and Battle Born Air Medical responded to a report of a paragliding accident in a remote area along the upper mid-slope of Kingsbury Grade, approximately one mile from the roadway.

The patient had crashed into the hillside, impacting rocks and other terrain. Firefighters hiked into the location with equipment, made patient contact, and immediately began providing medical care.

The patient was stabilized on the hillside and then carried to a designated rendezvous point with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue helicopter (RAVEN). The patient was then long-line hoisted to a landing zone and transferred to Battle Born Air Medical for transport.

The patient sustained extensive injuries but is currently in stable condition at a regional trauma center.

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Minden, NV

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