Six people have shown an interest in filling the vacant Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners seat. Long-time commissioner Jim Coffin resigned during the board’s regular meeting on Agu. 22.

Timothy Fuller, Steve Vierthaler, Amanda Montague, Jim Helminski and Pierrette Guimond all spoke with the board and community members during the board’s regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 19. Absent from the meeting was the sixth candidate, John Dann, MD, DMD.

“I’m so impressed with the applicants,” said Chairwoman Barbara Bedell. “We have some really qualified people.”

The board will choose a new commissioner on Monday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. during a special meeting. Whoever is selected will be in the position until it is up for re-election in November 2019.

“You’ll know when white smoke comes out of the ceiling, world peace will prevail,” joked Commissioner Wesley Heinmiller.

Watch The Sounder for more updates on the OIFR board meeting and candidates.