Submitted by San Juan Island Fire and Rescue

Many of the volunteer firefighters, retired firefighters, and staff of San Juan Island Fire and Rescue were at the Island Air hanger to welcome home their Chief at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26.

San Juan Island Fire Chief Steve Marler was hospitalized in December and has been on medical leave for the last several weeks.

On Tuesday, firefighters were accompanied by EMS personnel, law enforcement personnel, friends and neighbors. It was Chief Steve Marler’s wish that he spend his final days here inFriday Harbor where he has served and loved the people of San Jan Island for so many years. The chief was flown off the island for medical reasons at Christmas time and has now returned here to spend his last days with us.

Steve requested that Capt. Noel Monin convey this message to everyone: “Please give everyone my deepest, sincere thank you.”