Former fire division chief dies from job-related cancer

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) division chief Shaun Ward, who served Whatcom County for over 25 years, died on March 18 from occupational-related cancer. He was 58.

Ward’s career with the fire service began with Whatcom County Fire District 8 in the Marietta-Alderwood area. He joined NWFR in 2007, where he spent the last 18 years of his career serving as lieutenant, captain and eventually division chief of support services.

In November 2023, Ward was diagnosed with brain cancer. He underwent surgery in December 2023 and returned to work last August. He was forced to retire in December 2024 after the cancer spread.

NWFR chief Jason Van Der Veen, who worked with Ward since 2007 and knew him prior, said Ward worked tirelessly to make life better for the public and his crew.

“He was an amazing guy who gave it all until the very end,” Van Der Veen said. “He taught us a lot of lessons about a positive attitude and how to tackle hard things, and how to do it with grace.”

Since NWFR was formed in 2006, five firefighters have been diagnosed with occupational-related cancer, three of whom have died: John Swobody, Leslie Smith and Ward.

Outside of the fire service, Ward was a husband, son, father and grandfather.

A public memorial is being planned and more information will be released later, Van Der Veen said.

“He fought his cancer with the same heart, bravery and determination that he brought to his job every day,” NWFR wrote in a social media post. “His positive attitude toward fighting this battle is an inspiration to everyone that knew him.”