It is our understanding that the Orcas fire commissioners decided at the last board meeting to consider an assembly of a search committee in order to recruit a new fire chief. We disagree with any over-the-top efforts to locate a new fire chief because of the added time, additional expense, plus Orcas Island has a more than capable potential chief wanting to guide our department in our long-term resident, Kevin O’Brien.

After the last fire chief search, Kevin O’Brien was offered a lesser position at Orcas Fire that would potentially succeed Chief Harris.  While he turned down that opportunity, he has continued to rise amongst the ranks of the Auburn Fire Department.   Through this venue, Kevin has demonstrated his ability to effectively manage a large scale, big city, multi-layered organization with integrity and a passion for his chosen trade. However, as the years progressed, Kevin has never lost interest in leading the Orcas Island Fire Department. Kevin’s wealth of fire department knowledge, his connections to the local community, and his willingness to work hard will not only enhance the Orcas Island Fire Department but also help to reach its long term strategic goals.

I am communicating to the board on behalf of myself, my husband, and my son, all of whom serve the department at one or more levels. I also write for numerous ex-volunteers who have expressed to us this same opinion. Many of these people have felt they would even be willing to re-commit to the department when Kevin O’Brien is instituted as our new chief. Kevin will be a person in charge that Orcas EMTs and firefighters feel they can have utmost confidence in following.

We would very much like to see the commission revisit the wasteful option of a long, drawn-out nationwide chief search. Please, look no further than our own backyard. We wholeheartedly support the direction of hiring Kevin O’Brien as our new fire chief.

Kari, Jim and Cameron Schuh

Orcas Island