Submitted by Fire District Board of Commissioners Chair Bob Jarman

I am writing on behalf of San Juan Island Fire District No. 3 to extend our board’s full and deepest apology for the offensive comment made by Commissioner Frank Cardinale during last night’s joint commission meeting. The commissioner’s comment was offensive, disrespectful and completely inappropriate.

Fire District No. 3 does not in any way condone the use of words, phrases, gestures or anything that amounts to statements of hatred or discrimination from anyone in this organization. Commissioner Cardinale is personally apologizing to the Public Hospital District.

Fire District No. 3 has and always will be a public service agency that respects everyone we serve and work with. We are committed to the respect, fairness, equity and dignity of all people we come in contact with, including our public, our elected officials and our membership.

I am deeply sorry for the offensive, disrespectful and inappropriate words expressed during the joint meeting of our two commissions.