Year in Review: North Whatcom and Fire Rescue

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) responded to 5,302 calls through November 2022. Almost 72 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance; 3 percent of the calls were for fires. The remaining 25 percent of calls were for false alarms, public assistance and hazardous conditions.

One lateral, four career firefighters, and a training captain were hired in 2022 to fill some but not all existing vacancies. NWFR is currently in a hiring process, with another five expected to be hired in 2023 to fill more vacancies. 

Two firefighters were promoted to the rank of lieutenant in February. 

Fire commissioner Rich Bosman retired from the board after 20 years of service. Interim fire commissioner Matthew Rigberg was appointed by the board to complete his term.

While the demand for service has increased (over 33 percent between 2018 and 2021), and with the constant growth (population & buildings), plus state limitations on funding increases (1 percent per year), the district has not been able to keep up with increasing operational costs. Those constraints will ultimately affect the levels of service and response times going forward. 

NWFR will need the financial support of the community in the near future to meet the ever-increasing calls for services and to replace its aging fleet of apparatus.

NWFR was excited to be able to participate in the Community Assistance Program’s Thanksgiving basket giveaway, Community Toy Store, Trick or Treating on the Berm, multiple “drive-bys” celebrating birthdays and preschool visits.

NWFR would like to give special recognition to the dedicated volunteers who make up the volunteer water supply group, known to us as the “tender group.” The district is grateful for your continued commitment and service.