Final two take oaths as new fire commissioners for Bainbridge Island

The changeover of commissioners for the governing board of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department was finalized this week as the last of the newly elected commissioners took their oaths of office.

The changeover of commissioners for the governing board of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department was finalized this week as the last of the newly elected commissioners took their oaths of office.

Fire Commissioner YongSuk Cho and Fire Commissioner Eileen McSherry were sworn into office at Wednesday’s board meeting before an audience of family, friends and firefighters.

Cho, who was elected in November to the Position 2 seat after defeating David H. Lynch, took the oath first.

McSherry, who topped William “Bill” Ruddick for the Position 4 seat in November, was then sworn in, with Fire Chief Hank Teran administering the oath of office.

Four commissioners — three of them new to the board — have joined the five-member board since December. New Fire Commissioner Theresa “Teri” Dettmer, who was elected to the Position 5 to fill a vacated term, was sworn in Dec. 4. Returning Fire Commissioner Dan Morrow was sworn in earlier this week to assist with administrative matters as chairman of the board.

Commissioners also selected a new chairman at this week’s meeting.

Cho asked Commissioner Scott Isenman to take over as chairman, though several expressed concern if Isenman, the board’s most veteran member, would be willing to take on the duty given his new work schedule.

Isenman, however, said he was willing to give it a go.

“I don’t want to make my issues the board’s issues,” Isenman said. “I’m fine with it.”

Outgoing chairman Morrow was then selected by the board as its vice chairman.

The vote for both Isenman and Morrow was unanimous.