From the Washington Post: Chief Kenneth Ellerbe wants more consistency and to make “EMS” more prominent. So he’s chosen to follow the example of other district agencies: He’s decided to rebrand.

Ellerbe wants the department to begin using FEMS exclusively and to simplify the seal that appears on uniforms and equipment. In late March, he issued an order that would require firefighters to wear gear marked FEMS, not DCFD. A furor ensued, prompting the chief to delay implementing the order for 120 days.

Many firefighters have balked because they pay for much of their own attire, including T-shirts, jackets, boots and coats, as well as some of the seals that appear on their trucks. Read the entire article here.