Controversial Des Plaines logo going on firefighter uniforms
Des Plaines firefighters will get new uniform patches that contain the city's controversial rebranding logo, even though the patches could be removed later.
Monday night marked another city council meeting of debate between aldermen who favor the rebranding initiative — an interlocking “d” and “P” logo chief among its results — and those who oppose it.
What the council unanimously agreed to on Monday was the approval of a new quartermaster system for fire department uniforms, though implementation of it was made all the more difficult because a final decision on a new city logo is in limbo.
The new city logo is in the center of the new fire department logo, designed by a volunteer committee of firefighters.
The council voted 5-3 Monday to allow the new insignia to be placed on an initial allotment of new clothing being ordered under the quartermaster system, a centralized online uniform replacement program. It will replace annual $700-$750 uniform allowances given to firefighters in an effort to reduce costs, city officials say.
Fire Chief Alan Wax asked the council for permission to allow the new fire department patch — with the controversial “dP” logo — to be affixed to the three polo shirts, three T-shirts and one sweatshirt that each firefighter is due to receive this month.
If the council decides in the next few months to reject the city logo and come up with a new one, the patches can be removed and new ones put on, Wax said.
“I don't like it,” said Alderman Dick Sayad. “I think putting the 'dP' in there is a little premature.”
Alderman Don Smith disagreed.
“I cannot understand why we're arguing about this,” Smith said. “Are we going to have the same conversation every meeting and argue over and over again? We're talking about a patch.”
Last fall, new patches were put on fire department button-down uniform shirts, while the new city logo was placed on city vehicles, business cards, letterhead and street banners.
But last month, aldermen voted 5-3 to stop spending additional money on the “Good Move” rebranding campaign in face of increasing public displeasure. An ad hoc committee is now examining the city's branding and marketing efforts and is expected to deliver an initial report next month.