Bainbridge Island Fire Department seeks applicants for commissioner’s post

Published 3:13 pm Wednesday, March 7, 2012

The Bainbridge Island Fire Department Board of Commissioners is looking for a new commissioner.

Fire Commissioner Susan Cohen submitted a letter of resignation from her Position 3 seat on Feb. 15, and department officials are looking for a replacement to serve on the department’s five-member board.

The department is accepting letters of interest until 5 p.m. March 19.

The board of commissioners will meet with candidates for the post, and expects to fill the vacancy at its meeting on May 2.

The new commissioner will serve until December 2013. The next election for Position 3 will be in November 2013.

Letters of interest may be sent to: Bainbridge Island Fire Department, Attn: Ed Kaufman, 8895 Madison Ave. NE,           Bainbridge Island, WA 98110.

Letters can also be faxed to 206-842-7695.

The board is responsible for governing the district, which covers 28 square miles and had revenues of $8.1 million in 2010. The fire department serves a population of roughly 23,500 residents.

Cohen’s resignation was effective Feb. 17. In her resignation letter, she praised the department for its professionalism.

“I have been deeply honored serving as a commissioner for the Bainbridge Island Fire Department,” she wrote. “I have worked with many excellent organizations, but BIFD stands out in its commitment to professionalism and honor.”