Personnel from the Bainbridge Island Fire Department could be some of the first locally to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

At a recent fire commissioner board meeting, Chief Hank Teran said a group of first responders met with the Department of Health and was asked if they could help distribute the vaccine to help expedite that process.

The group decided Kitsap County emergency medical services would be a better route to go with that. But they did discuss which among their employees should be the first to get the vaccine.

Teran said paramedics and EMS workers would be first. The vaccinations would be staggered and done when not on duty in case anyone had an adverse reaction so there would be no disruption in service to the community.

On other topics, Teran said:

• St. Michael’s Medical Center in Bremerton has moved to Silverdale, which means less time on the road for medical calls.

• 11 volunteers, including five women, graduated from the academy. Sean Tully, Jenine Adam and Carlos Salazar each won awards. “That brought back some great memories,” Commissioner Tim Carey said.

• Kitsap Strong talked to him about a program called Handle with Care, which they want to expand to Bainbridge Island. Basically local first responders would contact a school if they find out about a young person who has gone through trauma. All those groups working together would then find help for the young person. “It sounds like a very caring project we can support,” Teran said.

• The chief also said the department’s Succession Plan was completed this year, despite all the extra work brought on by COVID. It basically explains which skills need to be achieved for promotions. Teran said it’s not a top-down document. “We engaged membership, every single shift, for input,” he said.

In other fire department news:

• Fire commissioners approved a labor contract for employees that will run from Jan. 1, 2021 to December, 2023.

• Carey applauded the Holiday Music Truck Tour, even in its limited capacity in the year of COVID. “It really does mean a lot to the community,” he said.

• The department received a Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act grant for two ventilators.

• Regarding tree removal, a very important topic on the island, the department wants only enough removed so structures are safe.