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WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2015 VOL. 48, NO. 12 75¢ islandssounder.com
Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien resigns by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor/Publisher
After three years on the job, Orcas Island Fire Chief Kevin O'Brien has resigned from his position. He has accepted the job of fire chief at the Lake Stevens Department, effective April 15. “I have an outstanding career opportunity that my wife Nancy and I believe is best for our family,” O’Brien said. “This experience on Orcas has really been a gift. I feel like I have received more than I have given.” The Lake Stevens Fire Department, part of Snohomish County, serves 44,000 people and has three fire stations. While O’Brien starts his job in a few weeks, his wife and three sons will move in the summer. Nancy is currently a teacher at Orcas Elementary School. Their eldest son Keenan is graduating from high school in June and will
be attending Washington State University in the fall. Their other children are Daniel, 16, and Colin, 11. The Board of Fire Commissioners said it is “saddened by his departure, and he will be greatly missed.” The commissioners expressed gratitude for his contributions, specifically for “making the department more streamlined and effective, completing the Deer Harbor Fire Station and being a tireless advocate.” O’Brien grew up on Orcas, and his mother Coleen lives on the island. “Our family has roots here, and we plan to be a part of Orcas forever,” he said. Prior to working at Orcas Fire and Rescue, O'Brien was with the Valley Regional Fire Authority in Washington for 21 years, serving in positions from firefighter/EMT to Battalion Chief. O'Brien has a
Cali Bagby/Staff photo
Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien speaking at a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Orcas Island Fire and Rescue. Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Washington, and he is currently enrolled in the Executive Fire
Officer program with the National Fire Academy. “On a personal note, working with Chief O'Brien has been a
Local mothers facing discrimination? Two Orcas women asked to stop breastfeeding in public despite laws that protect them by CALI BAGBY Assistant editor
The first time Katie Zwilling was asked to cover up while breastfeeding at an Eastsound business, she carried around her anger with her for six months. When she and another mother, Denise Thomasin, were recently asked to stop breastfeeding at the entrance of a local business she decided to call the police. “I was shocked that this would happen on Orcas,” said Zwilling. What upset her most was the fact that she felt like the owner was body shaming her in front of her 3-year-old, Grace. Zwilling did not want her daughter comparing nursing a baby with something indecent. “She lost a piece of her innocence that day,” she said. Beyond her personal feelings on the subject, Zwilling also called the police because Cali Bagby/Staff photo
Katie Zwilling nursing her 9-month-old, Paul.
she knew Washington law prohibits a business owner from asking a mother to stop nursing. In 2001, a Washington state law was enacted that ensured breastfeeding is allowable in public and not indecent exposure. In 2009, the rules expanded to place breastfeeding mothers in the protection of state anti-discrimination law, allowing breastfeeding in places of public accommodation such as restaurants, pools, theaters, government buildings, museums, libraries, busses or parks. Washington law also encourages employers to not only support breastfeeding customers, but also breastfeeding employees. Although police did arrive at the storefront after Zwilling phoned in the incident, the dispute is classified as a civil case. The mothers would have to take the issue to court if they wanted to fight the alleged discrimination. They are not moving forward with any legal action at this time. The business owner could not be reached
SEE MOTHERS, PAGE 8
great pleasure, and I will miss him,” said Fire Commissioner Barbara Bedell. “He has been a tremendous asset to Orcas and the department, and I hate to see him go.” A search committee has not yet been formed.
SEE O’BRIEN, PAGE 3
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