Bobbie Scopa resigns from FD 13 board

Bobbie Scopa has enjoyed a long career in firefighting, but her tenure as a Fire District 13 Commissioner could hardly have been shorter.

Scopa has reluctantly stepped down five months after being elected.

District 13 Commission Chairman Bruce Shellhamer read aloud during the three-member panel’s monthly hybrid meeting Friday morning an email from Scopa explaining her decision to resign.

Scopa cited what she termed unforeseen circumstances that have led her to move outside the fire district, whose coverage area is adjacent to the Town of La Conner.

Earlier this year Scopa logged in remotely from Arizona.

The good news, Shellhamer said, is that Scopa will continue to lend support to District 13.

“We wish Bobbie well,” said Shellhamer. “It would be nice to have her at the meetings, but we’re glad she’ll be able to provide her expertise.”

Scopa spent four decades working in firefighting for various fire districts plus the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, where she was assistant regional fire director for operations in Alaska, Washington and Oregon.

Scopa, had run unopposed for the commission seat.

The commission vacancy created by Scopa’s resignation will be filled by appointment with a term through December 31, 2023, Shellhamer said.

No timetable for the appointment process was set at the commissioners April 8 session.