To the editor:

Eileen McSherry is just the person we need to help us navigate changes as we enter a time of major transition for the fire service.

Currently, the Bainbridge Island Fire Department follows the traditional model of “load and go,” which means they quickly stabilize a patient and then immediately take them to a hospital for any necessary additional treatment.

However, the emerging model is “treat and release.” This change is being driven by the recognition that if the fire and rescue departments change their staffing and skill sets, they can often care for a patient’s needs at the scene and avoid an emergency room visit.

It is the time to fully engage the public and our entire community to timely and efficiently reconfigure the role of our fire and rescue department for the future.

Eileen’s career has been devoted to work in the public and private nonprofit sectors. She has been a manager and executive level adviser on human resource issues and communications to multiple agencies, including the Social Security Administration and Navy Region Northwest. She earned master’s degrees from Seattle University in the fields of public administration and counseling, and is a founding member of a mediation consortium, which provides free service to governmental entities. She currently serves as the human resources manager for Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue, where she has gained valuable additional experience in the administration of emergency management services.

Eileen’s experience, compassion and levelheaded approach to solving problems are what we need to negotiate the changes ahead.

We have an outstanding fire and rescue department on Bainbridge, and Eileen will help lead us to even higher levels of service in the years to come.

LINDA WARREN

Bainbridge Island