The new head of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue is no stranger to embattled departments.
Tim Lemon came to the island after serving as chief of Chelan Fire and Rescue, where he oversaw a volunteer membership increase of nearly 77 percent. He said his recipe for success is to focus on both the individuals in uniform and those residing within district boundaries.
“We’re in the people business,” Lemon said.
He officially started in his new position Aug. 12, replacing former chief Mark Kirko who stepped down in June. Kirko’s departure occurred after dozens of district volunteers signed an open letter to the editor in the Whidbey News-Times proclaiming mistrust in the current commissioners.
Shortly thereafter, the longtime captain resigned, citing a “toxic” atmosphere.
Lemon said he entered the job with his “eyes wide open.”
“North Whidbey has a really good foundation,” he said.