Fire Department Patch

🚒✨ The City of Oak Harbor Fire Department is proud to reveal our newly redesigned department patch! -- APRIL 2025

The new patch was created by Firefighter Dillon Bradley, who thoughtfully blended tradition and local pride into the design. Here's what Dillon shared about the meaning behind it:

"My main goal for the center image was to capture a familiar, everyday scene from Oak Harbor — something locals would recognize and connect with. Like other Island fire departments, we wanted to showcase a scenic view of our community.

Building on Ron Hancock's original design, I kept the harbor setting but shifted the angle to better highlight Maylor's Point, the Marina, Skagit Valley College, and Mt. Baker. I updated the detailed EA-6B jet to a silhouette of the EA-18G, and replaced the original boat with a single-masted sloop, using the City’s colors for the sails and water — and of course, a red hull for fire trucks!

Ron shared the powerful symbolism behind the jet and the clouds: honoring both the support of our local Naval Air Station and the memory of those who have fallen in the line of duty — a jet flying into the heavens.

The center image is wrapped in an eight-point Maltese Cross, a historic symbol of the fire service. We added the EMS Star of Life to reflect our growing EMS role, while preserving the traditional ladder and pike pole. The red American flag in the background honors both Oak Harbor’s Centennial patch and adds bold, striking color.

To protect the cross from wear, we incorporated a scalloped patch shape — matching Oak Harbor Police Department’s patch — which also allowed room to add Oak Leaves (representing our namesake and symbolizing strength, endurance, and resilience) and our department’s founding year.

Local artist Eric Vargas helped bring the vision to life by digitizing and refining the artwork, with additional feedback and ideas from throughout the station.

We’re excited to wear this new patch that represents who we are — rooted in community, tradition, and service."