Fire News

Please join us in congratulating Battalion Chief Blouin and Captain Shepherd on their recent promotions!

Chief Blouin began his fire service career at Whatcom County Fire District 8 and later served with Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue and Shoreline Fire before joining the Bellingham Fire Department in 2007.

Throughout his career, he has exemplified what it means to be a quiet performer, leading through action, professionalism, and integrity. His years as a paramedic provided invaluable experience in compassionate service and helped shape his leadership style.

Promoted to Fire Captain in 2018, he built a culture centered on listening first, acting decisively, and empowering others. As he steps into this new role, we are confident he will continue to strengthen our department and uphold the values that make Bellingham Fire exceptional.

Captain Shepherd joined the Bellingham Fire Department in 2015, bringing extensive experience as a wildland firefighter, including time on a hotshot crew. Since joining Bellingham Fire, he has demonstrated professionalism, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to our mission of “Helping People Everyday”.

He spent the past six and a half years serving as a paramedic, earning the trust and respect of his peers, and will continue to strengthen the department in his new role.

Congratulations to Battalion Chief Blouin and Captain Shepherd on their well-earned promotions and continued commitment to serving our community! ...

This Throwback Thursday takes us back 66 years to the opening of Station 4 on Alabama Street, a building that has continued to serve our community in public safety ever since. When the newer Station 4 opened on Yew Street, the Alabama Street building became and still is the home of the What-Comm 911 Dispatch Center. Here are a few photos from the opening day in February 1960. ...

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! ...

After a remarkable career defined by service, compassion, and dedication, we proudly celebrate Fire Dispatcher Cindy Sluys as she begins her next chapter!

Cindy’s path to public safety began at a young age and grew into a lifelong commitment to helping others. She served as a dispatcher with Junction City Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Department, Whatcom County, and later the Bellingham Fire Department, where she made an impact far beyond the console.

From major incidents like a pipeline explosion and the Blizzard of 1996 to helping deliver a baby over the phone, Cindy was a steady, reassuring voice during some of life’s most critical moments. She also played key roles in CAD renumbering, hazardous materials documentation, and staffing analysis that helped strengthen the system for years to come.

Cindy took great pride in being there when it mattered most and is deeply grateful for her coworkers, who she considers family, and for the Dispatch Center she called a home away from home.

In retirement, Cindy is looking forward to sleeping past 4am, traveling, volunteering, celebrating her son’s upcoming wedding, and embracing new adventures.

Congratulations, Cindy, and thank you for an extraordinary career!! ...