Effective June 30, 2024, Chief vanSchaick will be leaving OIFR. During her tenure, OIFR’s volunteer numbers increased significantly, and voters approved a new five (5) year levy. Simultaneously, Chief vanSchaick was successful in renegotiation of the union contract resulting for the first time in predictable overtime costs to the District, which is essential for long term financial planning. We are grateful for her service and wish her well in her future endeavors.
A Separation Agreement between San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2 D/B/A Orcas Island Fire & Rescue and Holly vanSchaick, Fire Chief, was executed and entered into during the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on June 17th, 2024, by a vote of 3-2 (For: Commissioners Hansen, Gaylord, and Ehrmantraut, Against: Commissioners Fuller and Biddick) and signed by Brian Ehrmantraut, Board Chair.
After a ten-minute recess, Commissioners Fuller and Biddick immediately presented Chair Ehrmantraut with letters of resignation effective immediately.
After brief discussions about the next steps, the remaining three commissioners moved to recess until Friday, June 21st, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
Board documents and recordings are available on the Orcas Fire website for more information.