Year in Review 2018: North Whatcom Fire and Rescue

By Jennie Sand, administrative assistant

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue responded to 3,830 calls through November 2018. Almost 62 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance; 4 percent of the calls were for fires. The remaining 34 percent of calls were for false alarms, public assists and hazardous conditions.

Aaron Ebner, Cody Bowen, Seth Richmond and Delanie Warne were hired as career firefighters in July while Charlie Baldwin was hired in August. Both Jeff Hofstad and Stefen Paige were promoted to lieutenants. Four volunteers are expected to graduate from the Whatcom County Recruit Academy in December.

Sadly, the district participated in their first line of duty death. Longtime career firefighter (33 years) John Swobody lost his battle with cancer on June 4, 2018. Former volunteer Marty Martin (24 years) also passed away in January. Both will be missed.

Approximately 350 community members completed the districts free CPR classes held once a month at various stations in the district’s response area. The only cost was food donations (439 cans) which were donated to area food banks.

The district began live-streaming the NWFR fire commissioner meetings on their website. Recordings of previous meetings are also available to the public.

The district has been working on a resident firefighter program which will operate out of Semiahmoo Station 62.

NWFR participated in multiple community events and fund raisers including the 9-11 Peace Arch Memorial Service, Blaine Fourth of July parade and fireworks, Pumpkin Party, Hogs and Horses Car Show, Santa Run and assisted with the Community Assistance Program’s Thanksgiving Basket giveaway and community dinners.

NWFR fire chief William Pernett will resigned on December 31 and assistant chief Joe Noonchester will act as interim chief while the district searches for his replacement.

NWFR would also like to thank the community for their continued support of fire and medical emergency services. NWFR would like to give special recognition to the dedicated volunteers who serve throughout the district. The district is grateful for their continued commitment and service.