The Orcas Fire commissioners had to make a tough decision, but we think it was the right one.

While we admire Sheriff Rob Nou’s enthusiasm for a top of the line emergency response vessel, it does require considerable financial support from our local fire districts. Construction of the boat would be paid for with grant money, but a revenue source for ongoing maintenance and usage is required.

Emergency providers are currently charged $1,000 by the Sheriff for each marine EMS transport. With the purchase of a new vessel, the bill for transport is set to be $6,500 per transport for agencies that are not financial partners in the endeavor. If OIFR was to be a partner, the cost is around $25,000 per year. In 2012, OIFR used the Sheriff’s boat four times; in 2011, that number was three.

Orcas Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien and the board of commissioners looked at their current transportation services and made the decision that they were adequate. They also took into account community feedback. The department has off-island transport to hospitals through: Airlift Northwest, Island Air Ambulance, Sheriff’s Vessel “The Guardian,”  Washington State Ferries, U.S. Navy Rescue Helicopter, U.S. Coast Guard safe boats and helicopter, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol safe boats and helicopter and private vessels.

We like the idea of a fully equipped, shared marine vessel. But given the many options that Orcas Fire has at its disposal, we understand their decision. We hope the boat project comes to fruition and that the departments can use it on a need-by-need basis.