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08/12/2007: "SJI Fire Department Welcomes New Chief"

San Juan Islands Fire Department welcomes their new chief: Steve Marler

A Pacific Northwest native born in Mission, B.C., Chief Marler has 30 years experience in the fire service which began as a volunteer firefighter in Tuolumne County, near Yosemite National Park.

Highlights in his background include service as the only paid firefighter with the Ceres Fire Department in California for four years, before serving in the scenic California Wine Country for the past 24 years. While there he worked through the ranks to Division Chief in charge of ambulance billing and membership, fire prevention, public education, fire investigation and administrative operations, etc.

Married to wife Karen for the past 25 years, Chief Marler says “When I met her, she was my dispatcher. I knew it would be the perfect marriage, because she was always telling me where to go.” They have one adult daughter and a teenage son.

Chief Marler has attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland numerous times for continuous training and recently completed coursework for a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Bringing the handy hobby of amateur radio operation, Chief Marler also loves camping getaways with Karen. Both of which they will have opportunity to enjoy here in and around the San Juan Islands.

Please look for Chief Marler around town and take your opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the islands.