Fire News

On International Women`s Day, we would like to express how fortunate we are to have so many exceptionally talented women on our department. Firefighters, Paramedics, Administrators, Dispatchers, and Emergency Operations staff all contribute to our department`s success and we are thankful for the strength and resilience that each of these women bring everyday!
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#internationalwomensday #bellinghamfiredepartment #firefighter #paramedic #bellingham #fireservice ...

Today, we’d like to congratulate Chief Ron Richard on his final day with us at the Bellingham Fire Department!

Ron was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington and graduated from Columbia River High School in 1987.

After high school, he attended the U. S. Coast Guard Academy graduating as an Officer in 1991. It was there that Ron became interested in pursuing a firefighting career and started volunteering at Clark County Fire District 6.

In 2000, he was hired by Bellingham Fire Department. Ron, his wife, Sarah, and their three children (Matt, Alex, and Lindsey) all moved to Bellingham.

Throughout the years, Ron has been a Fireboat Operator, Fire Inspector, Fire Captain, and most recently the Chief/Fire Marshal in our Life Safety Division. Also, throughout most of his career, he remained active in the Coast Guard Reserve before retiring as a Captain in 2015 with 24 years of service. In addition to his careers, he coached for 18 years with the last 4 years spent as an assistant coach for Bellingham High School girls’ softball.

Ron has said, “I am thankful to have worked alongside so many incredible people throughout my career and that I am most proud of the spirit that the fire service possesses and demonstrates every day – the ability to problem solve, stabilize bad situations, ease the pain of others, and spread some love and positivity into the world. In addition, doing this sort of work in the city I live in, raised a family in, and love has been especially rewarding”. Ron is handing the baton off to his son Matt and son-in-law Ethan. Who have both been hired by Bellingham Fire.

For Ron, his retirement plans include traveling throughout the country and overseas with his wife Sarah, who recently retired from the Bellingham School District. They are even considering following Odesza around a bit on their concert tours. Ron is looking forward to exploring trails, spending time at their Ocean Shores property, and pursuing some new hobbies.

Ron, thank you for making the City of Bellingham and the BFD your home over the past 22+ years. Your hard work and dedication towards the people of Bellingham are admirable and appreciated. Enjoy retirement! ...

Today, seven of our units assisted North Whatcom Fire and Rescue with a structure fire on the 4100 blk of Chance Rd. The building and its contents were a total loss. No injuries were reported.
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#bellinghamfiredepartment #structurefire #firefighter #bellingham #fire #housefire #totalloss ...

Last week, 12 of our newest members finished up their pump operator academy. Currently, they are continuing their training with drive shifts and they will take their final written and practical exams mid-March. Nice work to all of those involved with this process!
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#bellinghamfiredepartment #bellingham #pumpoperator #driver #pumpacademy #firefighter ...