In January 2007, the Pacific Fire Department and the Auburn Fire Department merged to form the Valley Regional Fire Authority. With the fire department no longer a part of the Department of Public Safety, the Pacific Police Department redesigned its patch to reflect the city's history.

In ancient times, armies used shields to defend, protect, and guard against their enemies. The badge and the patch are symbolic of the shield. The officers of the police department are defenders of the city, guardians over their community, and protectors of its residents.

"Pride" and "Integrity" are bold components of the patch reflecting positive self-evaluation for the department, civic pride, and a sense of belonging to the community. There is also the expectation of higher moral character, honesty, and freedom from corrupting influence.

Depiction of the railroad and the City Hall building, which once served as a school house, are significant. Because a large part of the city was dedicated to hops farming, we placed fields and hops leaves on the patch. The Stuck River, Mount Rainier, and trees depict the beauty of the Northwest.

The history of Pacific goes back to the mid-1800's when the first pioneers arrived in the White River Valley. Hops was a major agricultural source in the 1890's. Dairies, berry and vegetable farms were developed after a disastrous epidemic of hop lice infected the crops.

The railroad also played an important part in Pacific history. The Post Office was located at the corner of 3rd Avenue Southeast and St. Paul Boulevard. Railroad workers delivered mail by throwing sacks off the train as it passed. In turn, outgoing mailbags were thrown onto the train. The Interurban Railway ran where the Interurban Trail resides today. Residents would take the train to Seattle and Tacoma, and to school in Auburn. Although the Interurban last ran in 1928, The Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads still pass through the city.

The City of Pacific celebrates is 100th year in 2009. For many of our seniors, their memories are a part of our history. We especially thank Ruth Campbell for some of this historical information and we are grateful to be able to share it with you through this patch.

City History