Miklos Preysz has been named the fire chief for Orcas Island Fire and Rescue.

“The commissioners feel that Chief Preysz has the dedication and experience to successfully lead Orcas Island Fire and Rescue now and into the future,” said Board Commission Chair Barbara Bedell.

Preysz has been acting chief of OIFR since former Chief Kevin O’Brien accepted a position on the mainland this past spring. Minor contractural details will be addressed at the next regular meeting of the commission on Dec. 21.

Preysz started his career in EMS at the age of 14 in Utah as a junior ski patroller. He has been a paramedic since 1981. He has led programs at Weber State University, Utah State Police Academy and the Utah State Department of Health. After moving to Washington in 1990, Preysz continued his flight medic career and finished as chief flight medic for the med-flight program out of St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham.

Preysz started as a division chief with Orcas Island Fire and Rescue in 2009 and was promoted to assistant chief on Jan. 1, 2013.