||| FROM PATRICK SHEPLER |||
Thank you, Orcas Fire & Rescue, for the excellent job done on Saturday’s wildland fire. Your quick actions led to another successful operation.
Now rewind to last Monday night, at the Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC) meeting, where one commissioner said the board may need to consider a reduction in force (lay-offs). Seriously? Note that there are only two paid FF/EMS responders on duty at any given time, 24/7.
The (full-time paid) Firefighters and Paramedics were also accused of being self-serving and, “like Jimmy Hoffa.”
These mean-spirited and ill-informed comments were a knee-jerk reaction to strategically delivered partial information, offered by fire chief Scott Williams, regarding the hiring and use of outside “per-diem” fire/EMS workers.
The Commissioners are obsessed with making up for years of unspoken dissaving, from top-heavy administrative staff, inattention to apparatus replacement, and aging fire station entropy.
But pennywise and dollar foolish, they have no regard for the human component of our great department. The department culture has become so toxic that OIFR is eating itself from the inside out. Morale is at an all-time low. The crews are so busy watching their backs, it is cutting into the bandwidth necessary to do their complex jobs. They are worried and fearful of retaliation.
Please attend the BOFC Zoom meetings, and insist that our news media attend them too. Bring back time for short and respectful public comment, beyond pre-delivered email. Insist on having a voice in your fire department, and your EMS medical safety net.
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First off; huge thanks to the Orcas Fire Dept for saving us from a much worse wildfire. Heartfelt thank you to our firefighters and EMTs.
A board, IMO, especially an elected board, needs constituency oversight. That means consistent attending of meetings. But know that boards don’t even HAVE to allow public access – so who has all the power? Absolute power corrupts absolutely. That’s not just a cliche. Whoever gets voted in can be voted out – but only in elected boards. And sometimes – often – the irreparable damage done is done way before elections can help.
I am deeply concerned – no, horrified – to read this. When is the next zoom board meeting? We CANNOT allow our dedicated EMTs and firefighters to be treated this way. If Patrick Shepler, whose reputation as a caring capable EMT and beloved coworker, writes this, then we know how bad it truly is. The public has no recourse except to show up and keep showing up and share what is happening. These folks put their lives on the line every day for us. It’s time to show them our appreciation in actions.
Pay attention Orcas. Patrick Shelpler is a Life Saver Extraordinaire. He has served the community well for decades. I witnessed a very dark time in the Fire Department and am saddened to hear that so many high quality volunteers are under stress.
There has been a lot of controversy over the years about the Fire Dept ?
But the response from staff and volunteers is a work of excellence! So let’s try to get along and respect each other !
EMT response is one of the first things folks ask about when discussing life on Orcas. I sum up the care I received in two episodes that led to air-evacs as superb. Responsive, knowledgeable, caring professionals and volunteers. Let’s find a way to restore morale.
So, Patrick,
Are you suggesting “vote for me because you are so very great at creating (dis)harmony”?
Linda, I am not understanding what Patrick has written that causes your remarks? I have witnessed Patrick in action at a call and he was calming and professional. He cut the tension with humor and good cheer and made us feel like part of a team of friends!
The EMS who came to help my partner as he was in extremely serious condition were absolutely together on getting him to the hospital. It was serious and well done. I was in absolute terror of what was happening to my bestie and they just took charge in very professional and caring way. WE need these people! Yes let us attend these meetings and see if there is anything to be done to help the fire and EMS. Let us all know how to help!
well… that attack certainly leaves me in the dark! Please educate us as to your issue with someone’s behavior and actions if you’re going to publicly attack someone. :)