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