Alan Ernst
Only the fourth chief in the 45-year history of the East Fork Fire Protection District is expected to start work on Friday.
Former Carson City Deputy Fire Chief Alan Ernst was selected to take over for longtime Chief Tod Carlini on Feb. 8, 2025, after he was offered the job by the East Fork Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Dec. 10.
“Chief Ernst brings a well-rounded background to the position, with strong experience at all levels of fire service leadership,” Carlini said. “I am very proud to hand over the reins to him and look forward to a seamless transition.”
Ernst will begin a transitional period with Carlini this week.
This was actually the East Fork board’s first chief hire since the district gained its independence from the county in 2016.
“Ernst is a seasoned fire service professional with an impressive 30-year career devoted to public safety,” according to the district. “His journey began as a volunteer firefighter in El Dorado County, followed by a distinguished 27-year tenure with the Modesto Fire Department. Rising through the ranks to ultimately serve as fire chief, Ernst’s career is marked by notable achievements in leadership, operations, and training.”
Ernst has served as a board member of the California Fire Chiefs Association Northern California Training Officers Section, an Incident Commander for a Type III Incident Management Team, and a Qualified Strike Team Leader certified through the California Incident Command Certification System. Chief Ernst brings 12 years of executive management experience, including seven years as a fire chief, with expertise in labor-management relations, community engagement, and fiscal planning.
After retiring from Modesto Fire Department, Ernst was appointed Deputy Fire Chief of Carson City Fire Department in September 2023, overseeing emergency operations and training.
“His career exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to fire protection and emergency services,” officials said.
Carlini spent 25 years at the fire district’s helm and coordinated with the county to achieve its independence. He is among the longest-serving fire chiefs in Nevada and a cornerstone in the district’s history after spending a total of 28 years with East Fork.
