||| BY SUSAN MCBAIN, REPORTER |||

Two of Orcas Fire & Rescue’s battalion chiefs and paramedics recently retired, prompting resolutions of gratitude and respect from the Board of Fire Commissioners.


Patrick Shepler retired in October after 41 years as a firefighter and paramedic, the last 15 of those years with OIFR. During his service he became a battalion chief and chief paramedic. He completed nearly 3800 emergency calls while with OIFR. The commissioners honored him for his “contagious passion and dedicated service.”


Jeff Larsen retired in September. He began his career with OIFR in 2004 as a firefighter and paramedic, becoming a battalion chief in 2016. He completed more than 1500 emergency calls during his service. He was honored for “the highest standard of personal ethics, professional competency and commitment.”


Both of these men are heroes to the many islanders whom they helped and protected during their careers. The commissioners extended their thanks to both “on behalf of a grateful community.”

Two new paramedics have filled the open paramedic positions, Alex Conrad and Kasey Jo Wigley.


 

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