Kevin O’Brien is new fire chief

Published 9:00 pm Thursday, February 9, 2012

As a boy, Kevin O’Brien had dreams about hopping on a firetruck to fight blazes.

As an adult, he’s been realizing that passion for more than 20 years.

Now the Orcas native is fulfilling another aspiration: leading his community’s fire department.

“I feel awesome. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be offered the opportunity to do this,” he said. “I think the fire department is incredible. It’s a dream come true, honestly.”

The Orcas Fire Board of Commissioners announced their appointment of Kevin O’Brien at a special public meeting on Feb. 9. He will sign an official contract on Feb. 14.

The search committee consisted of representatives from the community, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue volunteers, career staff and commissioner Barbara Bedell. The position was advertised in regional professional publications followed by a detailed application process. The applicants were evaluated based on leadership abilities, professional skills, community involvement, and an understanding of the unique qualities of living in a community like Orcas Island.

“The candidates were screened to three finalists and evaluated by the Board of Fire Commissioners, where the most qualified candidate was selected,” Bedell said at the meeting. “Through every stage of the process, Kevin rose to the top by a significant margin and was offered the position, which he accepted with enthusiasm.”

O’Brien is taking over from fire chief Mike Harris on March 1.