Shepler for fire commission | Letter to the Editor

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 20, 2021

I strongly endorse and recommend Patrick Shepler for Fire Commissioner. I believe Patrick is well-positioned to help craft a path forward for the Fire District that honors and respects the entire island community.

I have worked with him over the years at Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, where I have found him to be a superb teacher and mentor. His positive attitude and energy are infectious. He is skilled, knowledgeable, and ethical in his actions. I believe he has well-earned the respect of the volunteer and professional membership of OIFR.

I also have had the pleasure of serving with him on the Eastsound Water Users Association board, where he consistently demonstrated skills in consensus-building, understanding of complex regulatory issues, moral decision making, long-term planning and budgeting. He also showed that he understands the proper oversight and governance roles of a Board or Commission, and the dangers of overstepping those roles.

Please join me in voting for Patrick Shepler in the upcoming election.

Brian Ehrmantraut

Orcas Island