NORTH WHIDBEY: Fire District finds long-awaited permanent chief

Sam Fletcher reports from the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue District’s special board meeting of Tue., Aug. 27, 2024 for the Whidbey News-Times.

After a unanimous vote Tuesday morning, Christopher Swiger will begin negotiations to become the permanent chief of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue.

The decision comes after two years of interim limbo and much anticipation from the North Whidbey crew. Firefighters lined the hallway awaiting the commissioners to return from executive session.

…A survey completed by members of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue last year returned just shy of 100 complaints regarding the commissioners, citing lack of transparency, pursuit of personal interests, uncomprehensive vision, bullying and much more.

They Said It

Firefighter and EMT Nikki Breaux said that if the commissioners had decided otherwise, several firefighters may leave the department because of their loyalty to Swiger.

“He’s been interim chief for over two years, and they kept stringing him along and stringing him along, and he’s a good fire chief. He is,” she said. “I’m not sure why they finally came to that decision after all this time, but it gives him more of a permanent spot where he doesn’t feel like he’s going to be replaced anytime.”

According to Commissioner Marvin Koorn, a two-year interim position is not out of the ordinary, and they didn’t delay the vote for any reason in particular.

Koorn said he is unaware of [the] survey and that the commissioners discuss items in open, public meetings and are transparent about every decision.

While Swiger wouldn’t comment on the crew’s frustrations about the commissioners’ decisions, he looks forward to coming to an agreement on his contract for the permanent chief position.

“I love this community, and I love this department,” he said, “and I just hope I can serve it in the best way I can.”