The Kingsville Fire Department, eager for a fresh start, wants a new crest.
Kingsville Town Council has to approve it first. It is on the agenda for Monday night's meeting.
The department hired a team to conduct an assessment and come up with a plan after a tumultuous number of years.
A report to councillors does not mention it, but the department's troubles began in 2016 when then Fire Chief Bob Kissner was charged with a list of sex-related crimes, some involving minors. He retired two months later, and former Leamington Fire Chief Chuck Parson was hired to replace him.
Then, in October of last year, Parsons and Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Dean took separate leaves. The reasons were never revealed to the media, but in January, Parsons was let go by the municipality. Dean has returned since. Former Lakeshore Deputy Chief John Quennel was hired.
"The identity of a Fire Service is shown by having their department crest displayed proudly on the shoulder of their uniform and the side of the apparatus that they ride. There is an emotional component tied to the crest," said the report. "When the idea of rebranding was brought forward, it was met with positivity and personnel though it was a great step to help keep the Department moving forward."
A committee came up with two possibilities that went to a vote.
If councillors approve the change, a private donation of $1,000 and the Fire budget will cover the cost.
**correction: an earlier version of this story reported Jeff Dean had been let go by the municipality. That is not the case, and BlackburnNews.com regrets the error.