||| FROM KIM KIMPLE for ORCAS FIRE AND RESCUE |||
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue family recently welcomed two new hires, Lieutenant LaRen Gevaart-Rossie and Captain Kasey Jo Weigley. Both have served the department in various roles over the last few years.
Rossie, a volunteer firefighter/EMT, also served as a department training coordinator – a vital role in keeping members current on the skills needed to respond to emergencies throughout the island. Lieutenant Rossie, who spent much of her childhood in the San Juan Islands, began her journey in emergency services while living on Shaw Island in 2017. Rossie first became interested in the medical field and in learning to provide care for others during high school, so when Shaw EMS Chief Helen Riggins reached out to her looking for locals interested in becoming volunteer EMTs, there was no hesitation in saying yes.
“I was eager at the opportunity to pursue my interest while filling a vital role for my fellow neighbors. During my EMT academy on San Juan Island I was bitten by the EMS bug and never looked back.” shares Rossie.
Lieutenant Rossie began volunteering as an EMT for Orcas Fire in 2018 and earned her Firefighter I certification this past fall. She now serves in her career position as Firefighter/EMT on B-shift alongside Battalion Chief Bryce Hamilton and looks forward to furthering her EMS career with her next vision set on paramedic school. During her down time, LaRen gardens and enjoys kicking back and taking in the beauty of the San Juan Islands.
Kasey Jo Weigley began serving the department as a per diem medic in late 2017, bringing nearly 20 years of EMS experience with her at the time, and completed the departments fire academy this past fall, earning her Firefighter I and II certifications. Weigley also works as a flight medic for Island Air and as an EMT/Medic instructor for various organizations. Captain Weigley now serves in her career position with the department as a Firefighter/Paramedic on D-shift alongside Lieutenant Seth Ybarra. In her free time Weigley enjoys spending time with her son and furthering her experience as a private pilot.
Please join us in welcoming Lieutenant Rossie and Captain Weigley.
Are you interested in volunteer or career opportunities with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue? Learn more at www.orcasfire.org.
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Thanks to these two very experienced women for joining the OIFR team. We are lucky to have additional expertise to our fantastic team.
Welcome to your expanded role of service to Orcas residents.
I echo Janice’s words. We are indeed fortunate to add your skills and experience to this amazing organization. Lots of us got bitten by that same EMS bug that got Lieutenant Rossie. (Mine landed me in an earlier version of the same EMT Academy on San Juan back in the 1980’s – and that was just for starters!) Someday we can all compare bug stories – but meanwhile, we’re so glad you’re official members of the team!
Congratulations!
Well done ladies!!!