Meet The Team
Administration
Chris Swiger
Position:Â Interim Fire Chief
Term: Serving since October 2014
Battalion Chief (BC) Chris Swiger joined the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue department as Battalion Chief in October 2014. BC Swiger began firefighting in Oregon in 1980 and went of to become a firefighter with the US Air Force from 1987 to 1994. In 1994, BC Swiger began working with the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy in Nevada as a firefighter until coming to Whidbey Island. BC Swiger is a nationally, and Washington State, certified EMT. He also has his Fire Officer III, Fire Service Instructor III, Haz-Mat Technician, Fire Inspector, Trench Rescue, Structural Collapse, High Angle, and Confined Space Technician certifications. BC Swiger has been married for 31 years to his wife Leah. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. He loves living on Whidbey Island and has enjoyed the friendly community of this area.
360.544.8293
Steve Lacy
Position: Battalion Chief
Term: Serving since June 1992
Steve Lacy has been with NWFR for 29 years and has been station captain for 22 years. He has been a nationally certified EMT and is currently a certified WA stated EMT and Fire Officer 1. He has been married to Debbie for 47 years. She is an RN, recently retired, and they have two sons in the fire service. Jon is a Federal Firefighter/EMT with NAS Whidbey, and Dave is a Snohomish 4 Firefighter/Paramedic. They are also grandparents of 5 awesome grandkids. Steve served 20 years in the Navy as a Naval Aircrewman, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He also worked for 25 years in the Flight Simulator business. He has a BS in Business Management, with studies in Behavioral Science. He believes it is an honor to serve his community, as it was an honor and privilege to serve his country. He is grateful that both of his sons are doing the same, serving and helping others, and hopefully, that sense of service is passed on the following generations.
360.544.8300
Mike Reinstra
Position: Lieutenant / Maintenance
Term: Serving since November 1999
Mike was born and raised on Whidbey Island. He graduated in 2001 from Oak Harbor High School. He married his high school sweetheart and they have 3 wonderful children. Mike enjoys time with his family, being outdoors, and also being with close friends around the campfire. While in high school, Mike became a part of the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue high school program. He began his colunteering in November 1999 and continued his volunteerism through September 2019. In September 2019 Mike moved from volunteering to bein the first full-time firefighter/EMT hired at NWFR. He is looking forward to continuing his work with NWFR and growing in his knowledge to servce his family, community, and friends.
360.544.8296
Crystal Swanson
Position: HR Specialist
Term: Serving since August 2022
Human Resource Specialist Crystal Swanson joined the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue department in August 2022. Crystal earned her Associates Degree in Human Resources Management from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She is also certitied in Human Resource Compliance and Organizational Safety and Health. Crystal currently lives in Oak Harbor, WA with her husband and their three children. She moved to the area in March of 2022, for her husband's military service. She is a born and raised native to Green Bay, Wisconsin. When she is not working Crystal enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Crystal is a proud member of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue, and looking forward to working with NWFR and growing her knowledge to help serve the community.
360.544.8038
Jessica Fisher
Position: Administrative Assistant
Term: Serving since August 2023
A proud native of Oak Harbor, WA, she finds fulfillment in serving her community alongside the dedicated members of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue. As a mother of two young daughters, Jessica brings a sense of compassion and dedication to her role, where she provides support through clerical and administrative duties.
360.544.8290
Daniel Horton
Position: Battalion Chief
Term: Serving since November 2009
Battalion Chief (BC) Daniel Horton joined North Whidbey Fire and Rescue in November 2009 as a colunteer shortly after moving to Whidbey Island. In January 2011 he joined the Duty Crew and was promoted to Lieutenant, and then Captain. In april 2020 he was hired as a full time Fire Fighter and most recently promoted to Battalion Chief in August 2022. BC Horton retired from the United States Air Force as a senior Master Sergeant after 27 years as a Rescue Specialist. He and his wife Kim moved to Washington after his retirement and fell in love with Whidbey Island. They enjoy small towns and feel most home when working on their hobby farm. Kim and Dan have been married for 17 years and have several fur children. BC Horton is proud to continue his life of service here on Whidbey Island.
360.544.8022
Jobie Gause
Position: Battalion Chief Training/Safety
Term: Serving since January 2024
Battalion Chief Jobie Gause's journey from Baltimore, MD, to Oak Harbor, WA in January 2024, has been marked by a decade of unwavering commitment to the fire service. Before settling into Oak Harbor, WA, he resided in Sunnyside, WA leading the training initiatives at Grandview Fire Department. Rooted in faith, family, and the fire service, he brings a wealth of experience and numerous certifications to his role, such as Airport Fire Fighter, Confined Space Technical Rescuer I/II, Driver/Operator of Fire Apparatus Equipped with a Tiller/Fire Pump, Fire Fighter I/II, Fire Inspector III, Safety Officer for Fire Suppression and Technical Rescue, and Vehicle Techinal Rescuer I/II. Battalion Chief Gause, a devoted family man, is the proud father of two daughters and belongs to a large extended family. This deep connection with family reinforces his belief in the importance of keeping the fire alive within oneself. For him, training is not just a duty but the key to success and he foundation for building enduring relationships. As he guides and inspires those under his leadership, Battalion Chief Gause strives to be a symbol of dedication, resilience, and passion within the firefighting community.
360.544.8294
Natasha Spydell
Position: Accounting Manager
Term: Serving since October 2022
Greetings Islanders! I grew up in Montana and I am a Navy veteran. Now, as a military spouse, my family has been blessed with the opportunity to live and work on beautiful Whidbey Island in the amazing community of Oak Harbor. I am proud to be a member of the team at North Whidbey Fire and Rescue and I will do my part to serve the community to the highest standard.
360.544.8018
Christopher Kohfield
Position: Recruit and Retention Coordinator
Term: Serving since April 2024
(More information coming soon)