Orcas Fire Commission Chair Barbara Bedell, new Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien and his wife Nancy. Chief O'Brien says, "Nancy and I couldn't be happier. The opportunity to come home and serve this great community is a dream come true!"

From the Orcas Island Fire District Commissioners

After a comprehensive regional search, the Board of Fire Commissioners of San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 (Orcas Island Fire and Rescue) is pleased to announce the selection of Kevin O’Brien as its new fire chief.

Kevin has over twenty years of emergency medical and fire/rescue experience with the Valley Regional Fire Authority in Auburn, Washington where he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief. Kevin graduated from Orcas Island High School in 1984 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the University of Washington.

In 1991, Kevin was hired by the Valley Regional Fire Authority and began a successful career in the field of emergency medical and fire/rescue services. In 1998 Kevin was promoted to Captain and became a member of The Valley Regional Fire Authority Command Staff.

In 2006, Kevin returned to Orcas when he and his wife Nancy moved their three boys Keenan (15), Daniel (13), and Colin (8) to raise them in a rural island environment. The O’Brien family has been very involved community members on Orcas Island. Nancy is the Orcas Island Elementary School Counselor and a teacher. Kevin has volunteered in civic activities such as the establishment of the Orcas Island Parks and Recreation District, is Vice President of the Orcas Island Booster Club and regularly volunteers at the public school.

The process of selecting the new chief began with the hard work of a dedicated search committee consisting of representatives from the community, Orcas Island Fire and Rescue volunteers, career staff and Commissioner Barbara Bedell. The position was advertised in regional professional publications followed by a detailed application process.  The applicants were evaluated based on leadership abilities, professional skills, community involvement, and an understanding of the unique qualities of living in a community like Orcas Island.

The candidates were screened to three finalists and evaluated by the Board of Fire Commissioners where the most qualified candidate was selected. Through every stage of the process, Kevin rose to the top by a significant margin and was offered the position, which he accepted with enthusiasm.

Formalization of Kevin’s appointment is scheduled to be made at the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, February 14th 2012, at 7:30 p.m.

San Juan County Fire Protection District #2 Board of Fire Commissioners are:
Barbara G. Bedell, Chair
Jim Coffin
Clyde Duke

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