A Mountain View Fire and Rescue/Fire District 44 commissioner who died in May has been replaced in the office by his widow.

Joanne Seng was sworn in as a commissioner on July 22, filling a vacancy on the five-member board that had been open since the death May 7 of her husband, Kenneth Seng.

“Serving the citizens of Fire District 44 is a responsibility I feel privileged to assume,” Joanne Seng said.

Commissioner James Farrell said the district is fortunate “to have someone as accomplished as Mrs. Seng be willing to serve.”

Her appointment is through most of next year. She would have to be a candidate and win in the 2009 election in order to stay in office beyond next year.

Kenneth Seng was a commissioner since Jan. 1, 2004, following his election the previous fall.

The commissioners meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at District Headquarters Station 95 at 6:30 p.m.

The district’s service area of 70 square miles includes the city of Black Diamond and some unincorporated areas of King County.

More information about the district and the commissioners is available at www.kcfd44.org.