Guest Column: Fire Department Changes on the Horizon

By Fire Chief/CEO Kevin O’Brien

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is currently undergoing significant organizational change. The following article is written to explain our changes.

OIFR is a contemporary and complex public business. Compliance with the many laws, standards, and mandates governing emergency services is a significant challenge. Managing the people and equipment is complex and requires a large amount of time devoted to making sure the business of all operations is performed properly. As an example, the laws, policy, safety standards and human resources requirements that govern a volunteer firefighter/EMT on Orcas are the same as a career position in the city.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue had a remarkable year in 2012.

• Call volume increased 12.2% to 775 alarms
• 25% of  alarms happened simultaneously with another call
• 66% of our calls occurred in Eastsound
• Islanders receive excellent EMS care comparable to the best systems nation-wide. 80% of our cardiac arrest patients experience a return of spontaneous circulation when we are able to assist with defibrillation and other medical procedures.
• 75% of our alarms were medical
• 2.3% of our alarms are fires. Our strong fire services provide positive protection in our rural environment, resulting in better insurance ratings and lower premiums for many residences

As the needs of our community continue to grow, OIFR is adapting to provide the most efficient and effective operations. We enter 2013 with a team of 80 personnel, 7 Stations, a fleet of 20 vehicles and an operating budget of $1,587,053.  We have reorganized and replaced the Division Chief program with one Assistant Chief position to assist with supervision and management of our operations including EMS, training, safety, compliance, and logistics. Division Chief/Paramedic Mik Preysz has been promoted to this position and will retain his paramedic certification providing a supervisor/back-up medic on island all the time. Mik will work a 40-hours/week schedule. Salary for the position is $85,000 and is consistent with the salaries of the number two positions on Lopez and San Juan Islands. There will be no increase to our operations budget as we will be streamlining other programs to fund the position.

Additional staffing changes include hiring Sally Kass as financial officer to replace Rick Anda, who is retiring. Sally has a home in the Orcas Landing area and extensive experience in all areas of business administration with emphasis in accounting, finance, and human resource management.  Paramedic/Division Chief Val Harris is stepping down from her full time position but will continue with us in the capacity as a part-time paramedic and volunteer. Val began her service with OIFR in 1988 and she has been a great leader, colleague, and friend to many. We wish to impart our gratitude for Val’s 25 years of service.

We are neighbors serving neighbors, ready to respond to your assistance 24 hours every day.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding Orcas Island Fire and Rescue at kobrien@orcasfire.org or schedule an appointment to talk with me at (360) 376-2331.