Letter to Editor: We Love OIFR, Therefore Support Heinmiller

— from Kiki and Ben Luna —

We love Orcas Island Fire and Rescue. The department has become a cornerstone of our connection to the island and our service to the community.

We have met amazing individuals, and we have worked in life-changing situations. (Ben is a volunteer fire fighter and rescue operator. Kiki and Aristotle provide support for Station 24 and more.)

The department runs on average more than three calls a day. Each call begins as an emergency, for which the events and the outcome are always unique.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is in the business of the “worst-day-of-your-life experiences.” (Quote from Battalion Chief and Paramedic Shepler)

As volunteers with the department our number one focus is safety. Whether we leave home in the middle of a stormy night or on a hot and sunny summer day, our first thought is to return home safely.
We are selfish about safety.

We rely on a policy and mission of safety as the primary means by which we are able to give our service to the community. We rely on the Board of Fire Commissioners to ensure that safety is the number one goal.

For this reason, we are voting for Wes Heinmiller for Fire Commissioner. This is what we know about Wes:

He understands that training is the key for a professional department that is current, capable and ready for the 911 calls. Wes understands that a professional department includes the paid and volunteer members on an equal basis. Professional firefighting, rescue and emergency medical services do not distinguish between paid and volunteer members.

Wes understands that our vehicles, our equipment and our protective gear are essential for our safety. The upkeep, the maintenance and the daily training with our rigs and our tools constitute the majority of our time spent in preparation for 911 calls.

Wes understands that a culture of inclusion is the key to a healthy and vibrant department. In as much as OIFR employs a paid staff, we are a majority volunteer group. We are a band of almost 100 individuals with wild and diverse backgrounds dedicated in our service to OIFR and the community.

Our safety comes from our closeness and our commitment. An energetic, positive and active department is a safe department, and it is one, which serves Orcas Island, the San Juan Islands and the mainland, with enthusiasm, confidence and spirit of trust.

We believe as Fire Commissioner Wes Heinmiller will continue to ensure safety for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, its members and the community.

Please consider voting for Wes.