Wilbur reappointed as Fire District 13 commissioner

For J.J. Wilbur and Skagit County Fire District 13, what is old is new again.

Wilbur was appointed to the fire district panel May 12 after a four-month hiatus. He had served as a commission appointee through 2021 but was ineligible to stand for the seat during last year’s election because he was also on the ballot for a La Conner school board position.

Veteran firefighter Bobbie Scopa ran unopposed for the open seat.

But Scopa resigned as a fire commissioner last winter, due to moving to Arizona.

That opened the door for Wilbur – who is also vice-chair of the Swinomish Tribal Senate – to return to the fire commission.

“I had a brief vacation,” he quipped after receiving the oath of office from District 13 Fire Chief Wood Weiss.

Shortly after Scopa’s surprise resignation Wood reached out to Wilbur, suggesting he fill the vacancy.

Wilbur was willing.

“It’s always a pleasure to serve the community,” he said.

The commission did not miss a beat moving forward with its one-hour agenda last Thursday.

It discussed a proposed community paramedicine program to expand upon the popular Good Morning, District 13 project while also teaming with Swinomish to assist in the mental health field.

“It’s another opportunity for the tribe and Fire District 13 to work together,” Wilbur said. “It’s an opportunity to work together to create something special in the Fire District 13 area.”

Weiss has presented the concept to Swinomish leadership.

“I got a lot of feedback and we may be able to come together to possibly set up some kind of program to help people on the reservation and in Fire District 13,” Weiss said. He described the Good Morning, District 13 format as a “one-of-a-kind program and it can tie into community paramedicine.”

District hydrants are now being greased, oiled and tested for fire flow it was reported.

District 13 firefighter Logan James shared a fundraising plan with the hydrants. It involves a $100 annual hydrant sponsorship, by which those who adopt hydrants can paint them with the design and color scheme of their choice.

A July 23 morning work party on the hydrants will be followed by an afternoon barbecue, tours of a District 13 fire engine and perhaps spraying of children – “if it ever warms up,” Weiss chuckled.

“It will be a fun summer opportunity,” said James, who is seeking area artists, individuals and organizations to participate.

The fire district is also putting together a June 5 Shelter Bay Preparedness Day from 1-4 p.m. in the nearby residential community’s barbecue area adjacent to its clubhouse.

The event is designed to prepare the public for emergency situations as well as reinforcing the importance of volunteerism.

“The theme will be ‘Helping Yourself and Others,’” said District 13 Capt. Ted Taylor. He was feted for having turned 92-years-young.

Taylor said he credits his longevity to embracing healthy nutrition, maintaining an active lifestyle and fostering strong friendships.

“It’s also very important to have a sense of purpose,” Taylor stressed. “I want to thank Fire District 13 for providing that sense of purpose. Nothing can give a person a better sense of purpose than being a firefighter.”