Submitted by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.

Twelve community members (11 from Orcas and one from San Juan) have just completed the 2025 Orcas Island Fire & Rescue EMT Academy! After three months, including weekday and weekend training, the recruits are now in the process of taking their National Registry exams to enable them to work as emergency medical technicians.

Many thanks to the ESEs (EMT system evaluators), trainers and volunteers who helped with the successful completion of the academy.

Please welcome the island’s newest EMTs: Tom Ahearn, Amber Bolt, Brandon Bolt, Miles Comrie, Chad Kimple, Keith Light, Billy Marrone, Dakota Maura (San Juan Island), Will Rubey, Isabella Schermerhorn and Monique Turner.

And please mark your calendar for a graduation, badging pinning and promotional ceremony on May 31 to welcome the new EMTs and firefighters and recognize the new department officer promotions. The whole community is invited to attend. Details to follow in the coming weeks.