The Meaford and District Fire Department is updating for the new decade.
Meaford council received a report Monday night during Committee of the Whole from Chief John DeHooge.
This report unveiled an updated insignia, name change and motto.
Meaford and District Fire Department will soon be known as the Meaford Fire Department.
It's a simple change sure, but one that didn't come without criticism.
Councilor Steve Bartley reflected on the regional amalgamation in 1985 that created the Municipality of Meaford.
He feels this name change is a step backwards that dismisses the history of the area.
Chief DeHooge says that this change isn't dismissing history but rather bringing the name in line with the way the department is spoken about daily.
“It's a bit of the currency of what we call ourselves,” DeHooge says. “If you ask me where do you work? I'll say the Meaford Fire Department.”
The report presented to council estimates the change of decals and uniform badges to cost less than $2,500.
DeHooge also announced the new motto for the department as “Protecting Our Heritage and Our Future,” which he says complements the Meaford Coat of Arms motto of “Our Heritage, Our Future.”
