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.
Fire District No. 7 is a combination department with 52 career employees and 50 volunteers. These 102 dedicated people cover 72 square miles in and around the City of Ferndale, and serve the Cherry Point Industrial area of Whatcom County. We currently have six fire stations utilizing 26 pieces of fire and EMS equipment. The district has career 24-hour staffing at four of these stations, supplemented by the dedicated volunteers who are assigned to all six stations. The Fire District provides fire suppression services, hazardous materials response as well as both Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support units. The District provides one Paramedic unit to the Whatcom Medic One system.
In 2018 the district answered 4801 calls for service. The number of calls for service has been increasing steadily since the early 1990s.
The district is involved heavily in the community and participates in several events in and around the City of Ferndale. Last year, more than 1800 hours of “volunteer” time was spent at community events raising awareness of not only fire and personal safety, but other community needs as well.
The men and women of the Fire District have been proudly serving the Ferndale community since 1957, with roots before the formation of the District going back to 1909.
| 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. |