— by Margie Doyle —
Orcas Fire and Rescue District Chief Mik Preysz tendered his resignation “through council” on Friday, April 8, 2016, it was announced at a special Saturday meeting of the OIFR commissioners.
Commissioner Barbara Bedell was absent, and Commissioner Jim Coffin announced at the public meeting that “the business at hand is limited to take action concerning an employee.” He then announced Preysz’ resignation, and introduced the motion to accept the resignation … effective yesterday and terminate the employment contract with Preysz and take such actions as are reasonable to terminate his contract. Commissioner Wes Heinmiller seconded the motion, and both approved the acceptance of Preysz’ resignation.
Preysz has been on administrative leave since March 15; he was appointed OIFR Chief last November.
His resignation comes following an investigation conducted by Bellingham Mediation and initiated by the Fire Commissioners.
This is a great example of the timely and up-to-the-minute coverage of local events published here at Orcas Issues.
If you’re reading this, I hope you will think hard about supporting community journalism by becoming a paid subscriber and carry your share of the load so we can continue to enjoy such a valuable service.
Fred makes an important point. Freedom of the press does not mean it’s free to produce news that keeps us all informed about important issues here at HOME.
I agree with comments by both Fred Klein and Donna Riordan. I’m into I believe my second year of paying for my “subscription”. I would really hate to see Orcas Issues unable to continue providing us with up-to-date local news.
I know Mik Preyszon a business level from my shop & from working with him on accident scenes, he has always been professional & competent. I don’t know the details of his resignation but I’m sorry to see him go.
Fred and Donna I would urge you to do as I have and make a larger contribution than just a subscription. A larger contribution can support Orcas Issues to assure their quality journalism for those who may not be able to afford to subscribe
I’m sad to hear that Mik has resigned. Orcas has lost a very capable firefighter and paramedic, and a genuinely nice man.
Why is no one questioning what is going on at OIFR? Going back some years now, there was apparently significant dissatisfaction with Chief Harris. So then a local boy, Kevin O’Brien was hired to be the new chief, and Mik Preysz was chosen as his assistant.
After a somewhat short term as chief, Kevin moved on to greener pastures and Mik was bumped into the chief’s position. And then Mik was placed on admin leave and now has just resigned. When asking around among the staff at OIFR, there seems to be some current of unhappiness.
So this all begs the question, what is going on at OIFR? The organization is vitally important to us all, individually, and to the community as a whole.
It would seem that the constant in this equation is the Fire District Board. Have the three commissioners, past and present, made good decisions about leadership? Were the selections of each chief the best for the situation? Was Mik, specifically, the best person to replace Kevin? I surely don’t know as I am not privy to the details.
There is a OIFR regular meeting on Monday afternoon, April 18 at 5:30pm in the Eastsound Fire Hall. I suggest that anyone who is concerned about the leadership and decision making process at OIFR attend and insist, within legal restrictions, that the community be provided with answers to this on-going dilemma.
Fortunately, the foundation of the Fire District is solid. The volunteers continue to protect and serve us all. Whatever is the cause of the leadership issue, those neighbors who respond when we each are in need of help should be commended for their commitment to the Orcas community.
I don’t know the details of the inner workings of the fire district, but it seems we have gone through a lot of fire chiefs on Orcas. I only met Mike Preysz a couple of times when he was first appointed interim chief. He seemed interested in hearing the public’s point of view and concerned about giving the Public a voice. I’m not sure what went on in the inside, and will probably never know, but i am sad to see him go so soon.
Whatever the problem, thanks to Mik for competent help when I needed it !
For the first few commentators: I love Orcas issues also, but please stay on-issue here. The topic is important enough to comment on without your diversions!
Dan; that was the point of my dissertation on the underlying issues at OIFR.
It would seem that we have had under-qualified Chiefs and/or ineffective Commissioners leading the organization. The meeting next week, Monday, the 18th, should be an opportunity for the Board to update the community on the state of this issue. OIFR is a vital service to us all, and this under-current is very unsettling, at least !!!