About Whatcom County Fire District 7
Whatcom County Fire District No. 7 pledges to provide trained personnel, apparatus, equipment, and facilities to meet the publics' request for fire, emergency medical services, hazardous materials and disaster response, and to promote fire prevention, safety, medical education and enforcement of life safety codes.
Whatcom County Fire District No. 7 is a combination department staffed by 62 career employees and 50 volunteers who serve 72 square miles in and around Ferndale, including the Cherry Point industrial area. The District operates eight stations and 32 fire and EMS apparatus, with 24-hour career staffing at five stations supported by volunteers. Services include fire suppression, hazardous materials response, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and one paramedic unit that supports countywide service with Whatcom Medic One.
In 2025, the District responded to 5,995 calls for service, continuing a steady rise in call volume that began in the early 1990s.
The District remains active in Ferndale and nearby communities through local events and public safety outreach. Last year, members contributed more than 1,800 volunteer hours supporting fire prevention, personal safety, and broader community needs.
The District has served the Ferndale community since 1957, with roots dating back to 1909 before its formal establishment.
| Core Values |
1. Community Focus - We are dedicated to serving and protecting the community with compassion, respect, and integrity. Our actions are rooted in a deep commitment to the people and places we serve, fostering trust and collaboration. |
2. Excellence in Service - We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism, preparedness, and performance. Excellence drives every aspect of our work, from emergency response to community engagement. |
3. Knowledge and Innovation - We strive for continuous learning, professional development, and the pursuit of innovative solutions. Guided by knowledge, we adapt and grow to meet the evolving challenges of emergency services. |
4. Communication and Awareness - We are committed to clear, timely, and effective communication. By keeping our team and community well-informed, we ensure seamless coordination and enhance the quality of our services. |
5. Integrity and Accountability - We act with honesty, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that we are accountable to our team and the community. |
6. Teamwork and Leadership - We value the power of teamwork and effective leadership, recognizing that collaboration and mutual respect are essential to achieving our shared mission. |
7. Servant Leadership - We embrace a servant mentality, placing the needs of others above our own. Internally, we support, respect, and empower our team members. Externally, we provide compassionate care and exceptional service to our patients and the community we serve. |
8. Humility and Grace - We approach every situation with humility, recognizing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. With grace, we learn from challenges, respect differing perspectives, and remain grounded in our commitment to service. |
9. Inclusivity and Equity - We embrace diversity and foster an inclusive environment that respects the unique perspectives of every individual, ensuring equitable treatment and opportunity for all. |
10. Commitment to Safety - We place the highest priority on the safety of our personnel and the community we serve. Through rigorous training, adherence to best practices, and a proactive safety culture, we ensure the well-being of everyone involved in our mission. |
11. Health and Well-Being - We prioritize the physical and mental health of our personnel, fostering a supportive environment that encourages resilience, balance, and excellence in service. A healthy team ensures a strong and reliable response to the community’s needs. |
12. Strategic Vision and Sustainability - We are committed to long-term planning and sustainable practices to ensure the continued growth and resilience of our department. By prioritizing resource management and future readiness, we honor our responsibility to serve generations to come. |