After three years on the job, Orcas Island Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien has resigned from his position.

He has accepted the job of fire chief at the Lake Stevens Department effective April 15.

The Board of Fire Commissioners said it is “saddened by his departure and he will be greatly missed.” The commissioners also expressed gratitude for his contributions specifically for “making the department more streamlined and effective, completing the Deer Harbor Fire Station and being a tireless advocate.”

Prior to working at Orcas Fire and Rescue, O’Brien was with the Valley Regional Fire Authority in Washington for 21 years, serving in positions from firefighter/EMT to Battalion Chief. O’Brien has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Washington and he is currently enrolled in the Executive Fire Officer program with the National Fire Academy.

“On a personal note, working with Chief O’Brien has been a great pleasure and I will miss him,” said Fire Commissioner Barbara Bedell. “He has been a tremendous asset to Orcas and the department and I hate to see him go.”

A search committee has not yet been formed.