— by Lin McNulty —
Following an executive session of the Board of Fire Commissioners today, it was announced that Fire Chief Mik Preysz has been placed on administrative leave while OIFR conducts an administrative review.
“Based on internal member feedback,” the release states, “OIFR is undergoing an administrative review. A consultant is working with the Orcas Island Board of Fire Commissioners during this process. The Fire Chief is on administrative leave to help facilitate the review.
“More information will be announced as it becomes available from the consultant and the Board of Commissioners.”
Following the executive session, there was no further information available on the circumstances, nor any indication who the consultant might be. The pending agreement with the consultant is expected to be finalized tomorrow, when the Fire Commissioners again meet at 10:45 a.m., March 16, at Eastsound Fire Station in a public meeting.
The Board stressed that there will be no interruptions in the service level we have come to expect. “We pledge to our community that we will continue to provide the highest level of service in all areas of emergency response. Our dedication to our neighbors as a community, both in patient care and fire/hazard mitigation, is unwavering and will continue with the same professionalism during this process.”
Scott Williams and Bryce Hamilton have been named Acting Deputy Chiefs.
Mik Preysz was not available for comment.
“Mik Preysz was not available for comment?”
He was at the commisioner meeting and asked to speak!
The commisioners refused to allow it.
Not available? Did you ask him for a comment after the meeting? This is serious stuff. Millions of dollars have been spent and the safety of the community is at risk.
This special meeting was posted as an executive session only. There was no public comment. I sat in the lobby for one hour. Pat Ayers the District Secretary went in a few times to bring some paperwork. Chad Kimple went in for a few minutes to talk to the Commissioners. When the meeting resumed two staff members,myself, Lynn and Mik went in and the Commissioners read the press release and the meeting was adjourned. This is the third special meeting so far this month and there is another one tomorrow @ 10:45. I do not think that anything can be said until the internal audit is done. The next regular meeting is Monday March 21st @ 5:30 where public comment are accepted. I want to thank all the dedicated volunteers and staff for their hard work.
I thought Mik was a temporary fill in until we got a new Chief. Was Mik was hired officially as chief? Or did I miss that?