We’d like to congratulate Chief Ryan Provencher on his well-earned retirement from the Bellingham Fire Department after over 29 years of dedicated service!
Ryan began his fire service journey while attending Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition and completed his initial fire service training.
Inspired by his father’s career in law enforcement, he was drawn to the teamwork, camaraderie, and physical demands of the fire service. After serving as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the Pullman Fire Department and a Resident Firefighter/EMT with Snohomish County Fire District #7, Ryan was hired by the Bellingham Fire Department in December 1996. Over nearly three decades, he advanced through the ranks, serving as Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Training Captain, Training Division Chief, and Operations Battalion Chief.
A passionate advocate for firefighter wellness, Ryan dedicated over 25 years as a Peer Fitness Trainer and more than 10 years as a Health & Fitness Coordinator, shaping fitness, wellness, and resilience programs that will benefit members for years to come.
Though retiring from active duty, Ryan will remain connected to the fire service through firefighter fitness, wellness, and mentorship initiatives.
Thank you, Chief Provencher, for your leadership and lasting impact. Wishing you a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement!
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We’d like to congratulate Chief Ryan Provencher on his well-earned retirement from the Bellingham Fire Department after over 29 years of dedicated service!
Ryan began his fire service career while attending Washington State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition and completed his initial fire service training. Inspired by his father’s career in law enforcement, he was drawn to the teamwork, camaraderie, and physical demands of the fire service. He served as a Volunteer Firefighter/EMT with the Pullman Fire Department and later as a Resident Firefighter/EMT with Snohomish County Fire District #7, experiences that helped shape his career.
Service runs deep in Ryan’s family. His father served as a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, working on high-profile arson cases in Bellingham alongside Bellingham Fire and Police, members Ryan would later proudly serve with during his own career.
Over nearly three decades, Ryan progressed through the ranks, serving as Firefighter/EMT, Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Captain, Training Captain, Training Division Chief, and Operations Battalion Chief. Along the way, he made a lasting impact on the department’s culture of health, safety, and professionalism.
Ryan dedicated over 25 years as a Fire Department Peer Fitness Trainer and more than 10 years as a Health & Fitness Coordinator, leading firefighter fitness, wellness, and resilience education and program development that will benefit members for years to come.
When reflecting on his career, Ryan values most the relationships built over the years, the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals, BFD’s commitment to health and safety, and the chance to serve in a wide range of meaningful roles.
Though retiring from active duty, Ryan’s commitment to the fire service continues. He plans to remain connected through firefighter fitness and wellness initiatives and by supporting firefighters through Firefighter Peak Performance and CRACKYL Magazine.
Ryan would like to extend his gratitude to his parents, two brothers, his wife and two sons, the members of the Bellingham Fire Department, past and present, and the many mentors, colleagues, and friends he’s gained throughout the fire service and beyond.
Thank you, Chief Provencher, for your leadership, dedication, and lasting impact. Wishing you a well-earned and fulfilling retirement!! ... See MoreSee Less
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After a remarkable career defined by service, compassion, and unwavering dedication, we proudly celebrate Fire Dispatcher Cindy Sluys as she begins her next chapter! Cindy leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for years to come by the coworkers, responders, and communities she supported every day.
Cindy grew up in a rural area just north of Eugene, Oregon, on a road known as The Speedway. At just eight years old, she witnessed a fatal motorcycle crash in front of her home. Her father, a medically retired Oregon State Trooper, handled the scene until help arrived. That moment shaped Cindy’s future and sparked a lifelong commitment to helping others.
After high school, Cindy enlisted in the United States Army with plans to serve as a Military Police officer. A knee injury during Basic Training led to a medical separation, and after returning home, Cindy began college with pre-law intentions. When her mother became ill, Cindy put her education on hold to step into a caregiving role.
Cindy entered public safety as a part time, on call dispatcher with the Junction City Police Department. Within three weeks, the position became full-time and permanent. After several years, and following the passing of her mother, Cindy relocated to the Oregon Coast and continued her career with the Coos County Sheriff’s Department.
Cindy was hired by Whatcom County as a Police/Fire Dispatcher in January 1992 and transferred over to the Bellingham Fire Department in 1999. Cindy contributed far beyond daily call taking. She played a key role in a countywide CAD renumbering project, completed hazardous materials entries for the entire county, and compiled detailed call volume statistics that supported the approval of two additional full time dispatcher positions.
Memorable moments include serving as the Fire Dispatcher during a major pipeline explosion, working through the Blizzard of 1996, and helping deliver a baby over the phone during that storm.
What Cindy values most is being present when it matters most. She took great pride in being a calm, reassuring voice for callers during their most difficult moments. She is deeply grateful for her coworkers, whom she considers family, and for the Dispatch Center, which has truly been a home away from home.
In retirement, Cindy looks forward to sleeping in past 4am, traveling, volunteering internationally, celebrating her son’s upcoming wedding, and embracing new adventures.
Her parting message says it best. We are one team with a common goal. Ask questions. Be safe. Be kind. Have fun!
Congratulations, Cindy, and thank you for an extraordinary career!! ... See MoreSee Less
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Winter storms❄️🌬️ in the PNW love to surprise us. Make sure your devices are charged, flashlights 🔦are ready, and keep your walkways free from ice. Your tailbone will thank you. ... See MoreSee Less
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Today, the Bellingham Fire Department honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his lasting legacy.
His call for service, equality, and unity remains central to how we serve our community with dignity and respect.
“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr ... See MoreSee Less
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