New fire commissioner Barbara Bedell first became acquainted with the work of the department seven years ago after calling 911 when her husband, Bruce, suffered a fatal heart attack.

“I will never forget them for what they did,” Bedell said. “I will try to repay that debt, which I don’t think I will ever be able to do. I really don’t have words to say how much this means to me.

Bedell, of Spring Point, will be seated on the fire commissioners on April 28. The open seat was vacated by Harvey Olsan in March. “Being appointed to complete Harvey Olsan’s term is a great honor,” Bedell said.

She will complete the vacant term and will have to be elected to the position in November to continue service.

Bedell, who moved to Orcas permanently in 2001, currently serves as secretary on both the Orcas Island Medical Center Association and the Friends of the Library boards. In the past, she has served for six years as the president of the Spring Point Homeowners Association.

“Of the people who I talked to who were interested, it was a no-brainer to me,” Commissioner Clyde Duke said.

Chair Jim Coffin said, “I see a dedicated community volunteer who cares deeply about the fire district. She is an engaged person.”