J.J. Wilbur new Fire District 13 commissioner

Ken Stern | Dec 27, 20190

count

IT’S OFFICIAL – Jeremy (J.J.) Wilbur signed and took his oath after he was appointed a Fire District 13 commissioner Thursday, filling the seat left vacant by Chuck Hedlund’s September death. Wilbur, a member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senate, is the first Native American on the fire district commission. – Photo by Ken Stern

Eras ended and started at Fire District 13’s Snee Oosh Rd fire station last week. Friday the retirements of Chief Roy Horn, his wife Maggie Horn, Battalion Chief Ted Carr and Lt. Andrew Lester were recognized. The day before, Nov. 19, the District made history when Jeremy (J.J.) Wilbur, a member of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, was appointed a commissioner, filling Chuck Hedlund’s seat. Hedlund died in September.

Wilbur, a member of the tribal senate, is the first Native American on the fire district commission, the elected ruling body of the fire district.

At the start of the commissioners’ monthly meeting Chair Larry Kibbe and Bruce Shellhamer reelected Kibbe chair and elected Shellhamer as vice chair. Voters gave Shellhamer a six year term in November.

The commissioners meet in executive session after their monthly meeting, interviewing Wilbur and District 13 Capt. Ted Taylor before announcing Wilbur’s appointment.

Wilbur signed and took the oath of office.

He will run for election in November.

2020 budget passed

The Commissioners approved a $2.07 million budget in November. That includes an increased property tax levy of 1.7% from 2018. Property tax revenues will be $499,845, up $11,345. Emergency medical services reimbursements are projected to be $326,000, up 15.2%. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community donation is again $200,000.

Operating expenses are $852,300; capital expenses are $1.12 million and the annual apparatus reserve fund is $150,000. The District’s reserve is reduced $50,000 to $580,929, funds for an eastside fire station. The budget is 3.5% smaller than in 2018.

Weiss new chief

Wood Weiss’s first day as district fire chief was Friday. Assistant fire chief since 2014, Weiss will earn $84,000 annually. He is the only fulltime, salaried fire district chief in Skagit County. Commissioners appointed him in May.

Weiss, a chiropractor, is closing his practice.

FD 13 Chief Roy Horn retires

Fire District 13 Chief Roy Horn’s retirement was recognized Friday by a c

Carr and Horn’s firefighter numbers will be retired. They were given their helmets.

In remarks honoring Horn, new Chief Wood Weiss discussed the 19 years of growth and program additions under Horn. He spoke of “his need to serve, his capacity to love and ability to forgive.” Weiss shared stories of the development of Fire District 13 from the Hope Island Fire Department and specific fires he fought alongside Horn. He recalled the last structure fire the two participated in and looking at Horn, who “had the biggest bloody smile. That is how I will remember Roy in retirement,” Weiss said.

All the retirees were given plaques and framed letters commemorating their service.

In his remarks, Horn said “the one act of bravery in a firefighters career is when they decide to become a firefighter. Everything else is in the act of duty.”

At the end of the ceremony, the audience heard system calls in the six bay fire station made by the Skagit County 911 agency, thanking Carr, Lester and Horn for their service. - By Ken Stern