Vacancy puts department on search for replacement.

Earl Johnson resigned from the Bainbridge Island Fire Commission, sparking a rapid search to find his replacement in the coming weeks.

Johnson, who was elected to the commission in 2004, said his public speaking career will take him away from the island two or more weeks out of the year, leaving little time for the commission.

“My speaking business has really taken off,” he said Wednesday. “I didn’t think I could do a good job if I was gone a lot.”

Johnson hopes the impact of his departure will be lessened by the recent expansion of the board from three to five members.

“I didn’t think I could leave if it remained at three, or else I’d really have to work hard at juggling things,” he said.

Interim fire chief Glen Tyrrell said the vacancy drops the commission down to a number that could create legislative deadlock.

“Four commissioners means we could have tie votes and can’t take action,” he said.

Tyrrell is asking residents interested in serving to submit a letter of interest to the department by March 2. The commission will meet with candidates on March 8th and appoint one on the 14th.

The new commissioner would serve out Johnson’s term, which ends December 2009.

Tyrrell commended Johnson for his three years on the commission.

“I want to thank Earl for his term of service,” Tyrrell said. “Now we’re looking for more people interested in public service.”

Island residents interested in filling the remainder of Johnson’s term should submit a ‘letter of interest’ to Bainbridge Island Fire Department business administrator Carol Mezen. Applicants can drop off their letter at the department’s headquarters, 8895 Madison Avenue, or send it via email to cmezen@bifd.org.