Year in Review: North Whatcom Fire and Rescue

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) responded to 5,062 calls through November 2021. Almost 69 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance; 3 percent of the calls were for fires. The remaining 28 percent of calls were for false alarms, public assists and hazardous conditions.

Five new career firefighters were hired in 2021 to fill existing vacancies leaving NWFR with two unfilled positions.

One Lieutenant was promoted to rank of captain in April.

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

One firefighter was hired as a lateral firefighter in September. 

Lieutenants Leslee Smith and Keith Zylstra and mechanic John Lovatt all retired from NWFR in October.

Fire commissioners John Crawford and Kimberly Calman-McMurray were reelected, and both will serve another six-year term.

Unfortunately, the levy lid lift failed twice to pass during 2021. NWFR welcomes public input for funding options to meet the ever-increasing calls for service with its aging fleet of apparatus.

Due to Covid-19 and the current state guidelines, many of the community events that NWFR looks forward to participating, including parades, school fairs, memorials, Pumpkin Party, Hogs and Horses Car Show, and CPR classes were canceled. The hope is that many of these events will resume in 2022 once the virus is under control. NWFR was able to participate in the Community Assistance Thanksgiving Basket giveaway, multiple “drive-bys” celebrating birthdays and some preschool
visits.

NWFR would like to give special recognition to the dedicated volunteers that serve throughout the district. The district is grateful for your continued commitment and service.

Jennie Sand, NWFR administrative assistant