ORCAS ISLAND, WA — Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) held its 2026 Fire Academy Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Station 21 in Eastsound. The ceremony was standing room only, with more than 150 friends and family members in attendance. Families traveled from across the country to witness the milestone, including Deputy Fire Chief Charles Hall of Hebron, Maine, who attended to see his son Dan Hall receive his certification, and the family of Rafael Lopez, who made the trip from Santa Monica, California.

Twenty-one recruits graduated from the academy, including two cadets. Seven additional members of the recruit class remain in the training pipeline and are expected to complete their certifications and join the department as firefighters in the near future.

The 2026 academy was one of the most demanding and comprehensive in department history. Recruits trained for 18 consecutive weeks beginning January 3rd, attending full-day sessions every Saturday and Sunday without a single weekend break. The majority of graduates completed training through the Firefighter 2 level, including hazardous materials operations. In addition, a majority are currently in process for their Washington State Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. While state certification is not required for OIFR membership, the pursuit of these credentials by so many new members represents a significant step forward in the department’s professional development.

During the ceremony, graduates received their certificates and were pinned by Fire Chief Chad Kimple. Remarks were delivered by Chief Kimple, Firefighter Buddy Wright, and Acting Lieutenant Ted McKey. Recruit class president Chris McClain delivered the class address. Battalion Chief Greg Sawyer led the graduates in the Oath of Service.

“This class showed up every weekend, worked hard, and earned this,” said Fire Chief Chad Kimple. “We are proud to welcome them into the OIFR family.”

2026 OIFR FIRE ACADEMY GRADUATES

Jose Arreguin, Firefighter

Kairam Bailey, Firefighter

Crystal Bishop, Firefighter

Brandon Bolt, Firefighter/EMT

Paul Butcher, Firefighter/EMT

David Clough, Firefighter

Sami Dean, Firefighter

August Groeninger, Firefighter

Dan Hall, Firefighter

Rafael Lopez, Firefighter

Chris McClain, Firefighter

Shawn McGarry, Firefighter

Weston Mueller, Firefighter

Robbie Padbury, Firefighter

Bee Schermerhorn, Firefighter/EMT

Oscar Schragel-Rietz, Firefighter

Lindsey Simpson, Firefighter/EMT

Kassy Taylor, Firefighter

Ian Welch, Firefighter

Neila Welch, Cadet

Jacob Wright, Cadet

About Orcas Island Fire & Rescue – Orcas Island Fire & Rescue is a volunteer fire and EMS department serving the residents and visitors of Orcas Island, Washington. The department operates out of seven stations with more than 80 members across its fire, EMS, rescue, and wildland divisions.