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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Excellent choice! Congratulations, Kevin!
Yea Kevin! Congratulations!
Bravo, Commissioners! Congratulations and thank you, Kevin, for taking on this important assignment. We’re fortunate to have you.
Craig and I couldn’t be happier, our community is lucky to have found such a perfect fit!
Excellent choice Commissioners! We are all very fortunate to have Kevin as our new Fire Chief.
And, congrats Kevin.
Good to hear!!!! Kevin has always had my vote! Good news for Orcas Fire and Orcas Island.
Bravo! our household couldn’t be happier with the Commissioner’s choice. Kevin, you have our support and appreciation as you take on this important leadership role.
YEA!!! Congratulations Kevin on being our new Fire Chief. As said previously, the community is fortunate to have you. See you Tuesday. Ed and Carol Sutton
Congratulations Kevin! Congratulations Fire Department! If only more public meetings could be like the happy event conducted by Commissioner Bedell and company last night.
SUPER – Great news! Congratulations to Kevin, Nancy and the boys. And kudos to the committee for recognizing Kevin as the right person to be our Fire Chief.
We are so happy for you and our community, Kevin! You are the best choice, made on Orcas Island!
A wise choice and we are sure a delight to the Fire District personnel AND the community. CONGRATULATIONS!
The best possible choice, Kevin’s appointment will serve our island community and our volunteer firemen/EMT’s well. Congratulations Kevin!
What a wise and wonderful choice by the commissioners — great to have such a fine person head up the Fire department. Welcome home for a long stay. Congratulations!
Wonderful! Congratulations to Kevin and all the O’Briens.