The Placer County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation on Nov. 17 recognizing CAL FIRE/Nevada‑Yuba‑Placer Unit Chief Brian Estes for 35 years in the fire service and his nearly nine years leading fire operations in Placer County.

Supervisor Cindy Gustafson read the proclamation, citing Estes’s leadership during multiple major incidents and his role securing grant funding for fuel‑break projects that protect Auburn, Colfax and other county communities. Gustafson said Estes “built effective local and regional interagency collaboration” and “led over 450 personnel across 1,700,000 acres,” according to the proclamation text read into the record.

Several board members and public officials offered personal remarks. Supervisor Gustafson told Estes that he had “earned our trust” by providing facts and objective knowledge and by coordinating resources during emergencies. Supervisor Landon called Estes “proactive, kind, compassionate, hardworking, innovative, collaborative, inspirational and legendary,” and said Estes “set the bar very high.” County CEO Daniel (first referenced by role in the meeting) thanked Estes for openness and mentorship during his tenure.

Congressional staff from Rep. LaMalfa’s office presented a U.S. Capitol flag and read a congressional statement honoring Estes’s service. Placer County District Attorney Morgan Geier praised Estes’s support for arson investigations in the county.

Chief Estes, who has served in Placer County roughly nine years and as fire chief for eight of those, described the work as a meaningful chapter of his career and emphasized succession planning. “I take that as a show of friendship and a show of trust, and I appreciate that,” Estes said during brief remarks.

The board voted to approve the proclamation and posed for a presentation photo. The board also noted Estes’s role in forming technical rescue teams, modernizing apparatus and expanding advanced life support services countywide.

The proclamation was ceremonial; the board took no policy action tied to the recognition. The county will mark the leadership transition as Chief Estes retires and Chief Hudson assumes expanded duties.