Submitted by OIFR

On January 28, 2016, San Juan Fire District 3’s Chief Marler passed away following a brief illness.  The members of Orcas Island Fire & Rescue wish to extend deepest condolences to the family of Chief Marler and to the members of San Juan Fire District 3.

OIFR remembers Chief Marler as an advocate, locally and throughout the state, for wildland fire protection, safety and communications.  His state wide and regional advocacy for change has  positively impacted all of San Juan County.  Chief Marler was known at OIFR as being proactive in mutual aid and collaboration.  He was always quick to answer the call when we needed with resources and personnel.  Not only was he highly regarded as a fire chief, Chief Marler was highly regarded as a story teller and provider of funny antidotes.    “As the fire chief on Orcas Island, I had the utmost respect for Steve.  I found his knowledge and guidance invaluable in our efforts to unify the county in as many fronts as possible,” remembers OIFR’s Chief Preysz.

Your grief is shared by those who knew him and by your firefighter family everywhere.  He will be missed.