Long time volunteer firefighter Captain Brian Vick recently announced plans to step down from his leadership role at South Whidbey Fire/EMS. Vick plans to devote more time to personal pursuits including his family, and fulfillment of a dream to serve as a charter boat captain. He will continue to work for WhidbeyHealth EMS (Emergency Medical Service).

Erick Westphal is leaving the department this month to pursue new adventures.

Santa Claus is coming to town. A holiday tradition since 1995, the volunteers at South Whidbey Fire/EMS will be visiting South Whidbey communities throughout the week of December 12-16  Listen for the music and sirens and see Santa’s sleigh in these neighborhoods starting at 6 p.m. each night:

There is still time to join the 2017 Fire Academy at South Whidbey Fire/EMS. Due to the shift in positions within department staffing and additional training opportunities for Captain Jerry Helm at Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue, the 2017 Fire Academy will start in mid-May, rather than January.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS first responders are facing another record year. So far through September, staff and volunteers have responded to 1930 calls from the community requesting assistance for fires and medical emergencies. At the same time last September, the number was 1,739, with total calls for the entire year reaching 2,380. End of year totals were 2,274 in 2014, 2,062 in 2013, and 1,867 in…

South Whidbey Fire/EMS staff and volunteers recently started providing clients with business cards at the close of a fire or medical emergency call. One side of the card has department contact information. The flipside lists a web address where people may complete a brief, anonymous online survey.

There is still time to join the 2017 South Whidbey Fire/EMS Fire Academy.  Three local men and women, representing a variety of ages and occupations, have already submitted their applications and are on their way to officially become academy recruits. The deadline to apply in October 31.

WILLIAM EDWARD FREDERICK

TOTAL BURN BAN IN EFFECT

South Whidbey Fire/EMS welcomed volunteer firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at a special graduation event on July 23 at Holmes Harbor Golf Club. The event recognized graduates from both 2015 and 2016 academies.

Island County Burn Ban goes into effect at 12:00 AM, August 1, 2016. Outdoor burning will be restricted.

Below is a like to an article by David Welton of Whidbey Life Magazine. It features South Whidbey Fire/EMS and our wonderful volunteers and staff. Our volunteers train regularly to make sure everyone stays safe.  We invite you to learn more about how to become a member of our team.

by Deputy Chief Mike Cotton

South Whidbey Fire/EMS is hiring firefighters to help back up its dedicated team of volunteers.  So far three have been hired, but more are needed. The new additions to begin on July 11 are: Bill Piepenbrink and Alex McMahon who were selected from the District’s existing volunteer ranks; and Travis Zimmerman who has been working as a full time paramedic in Hanford.  Zimmerman joins the team as a…

South Whidbey Fire/EMS has launched a new website designed to better serve the community and its members. The website will formally be presented at the Board of  Commissioners Meeting on June 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Freeland station.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS honored volunteer fire fighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) at its annual awards dinner on Saturday, March 12 at Useless Bay Golf and Country Club. The event opened with a surprise presentation of the colors accompanied on bagpipes played by Central Whidbey Fire Captain Jerry Helm.

Frank Mestemacher began a six year term as a Fire Commissioner for South Whidbey Fire/EMS in January 2016.The Freeland resident is a carpentry instructor at the Seattle Central College Wood Technology Center. This summer, Mestemacher was awarded the college’s 2015 Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Service Award, which goes to instructors who demonstrate leadership and excellence. He has a…

Who: For any caregiver transporting children in vehicles