My wife and I were on Orcas last weekend visiting friends and having dinner at one of Eastsound’s wonderful restaurants. To everyone’s surprise, I became ill at dinner, my symptoms being such that those I was with became very concerned and immediately called 911.

Within minutes the team from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, led by the very capable and professional Division Chief Patrick Shepler, was on the scene. I was helped to the emergency vehicle and thoroughly checked out. The good news comes in several ways: first, there was nothing life-threatening going on; next, the team was very professional, caring and competent; finally, it was comforting – not to mention essential – to know that Orcas Island, a place so many visit each year, has a resident team of emergency professionals. My gratitude goes out to the team, to the Orcas Island community that has the vision to support such a service, and to the greater field of emergency medical technicians.

In appreciation and gratitude.

Ron Rabin

Issaquah, Washington