Our District fire Chief
alan ernst
District Fire Chief Alan Ernst

The District Fire Chief is responsible for the overall operation of fire protection district, which provides services to over 96% of Douglas County. This not only includes the administrative duties associated with such a position but also as an incident commander on major incidents.
Alan Ernst is a distinguished fire service professional with a 30-year career in fire service and emergency management. He has dedicated his life to protecting communities and advancing public safety. His journey began as a volunteer firefighter in El Dorado County, where he developed a passion for service that led him to the Modesto Fire Department. Over the next 27 years, he rose through the ranks, ultimately serving as Fire Chief, guiding the department with expertise and a commitment to excellence.
Throughout his career, Chief Ernst has been a respected leader in the fire service industry. He has played a key role in regional and state-level initiatives, including serving as a Board Member for the California Fire Chiefs Association (Northern California Training Officers Section) and acting as an Incident Commander for a Type III Incident Management Team. Additionally, his qualifications within the California Incident Command Certification System (CICCS) highlight his proficiency in emergency response operations.
His leadership extends beyond incident command. Chief Ernst spearheaded a regionalization effort that successfully unified six cities and four fire districts, improving operational efficiency and service delivery. With 12 years of executive management experience, including seven years as Fire Chief, he has developed expertise in labor-management relations, community engagement, fiscal planning, and emergency management—key areas that define his leadership style.
After retiring from the Modesto Fire Department in August 2023, Chief Ernst embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining the Carson City Fire Department as Deputy Fire Chief in September 2023. In this role, he oversaw emergency operations and training, ensuring that firefighters are equipped with the skills and resources necessary to protect their communities effectively.
A leader, mentor, and advocate for continuous improvement in fire service operations, Chief Ernst’s legacy is one of dedication, leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public safety.