Bellingham Fire Department

After more than 26 years of dedicated service to the Bellingham community, Captain Brian Jones is retiring from the Bellingham Fire Department!

Originally from Tacoma, Brian came to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University, earning a degree in Plastics Engineering. While in college, he began volunteering with Whatcom County Fire District 2 in Geneva and Sudden Valley, simply looking for a way to spend time while completing an engineering internship. What started as a volunteer opportunity quickly became a calling. Encouraged by career firefighters he met along the way, Brian tested for the Bellingham Fire Department and, in September 1999, chose a career in firefighting over several engineering opportunities.

Brian became actively involved in IAFF Local 106 early in his career, serving as a trustee and later as a member of the contract negotiations team for most of his time with the department. His commitment to both his fellow firefighters and the profession has left a lasting impact.

Promoted to Fire Captain after just five years on the job, Brian spent the last 21 years leading crews, mentoring firefighters, and serving the citizens of Bellingham with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. Throughout his career, he has been a respected leader and a trusted member of the department.

As he begins retirement, Brian is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and son, tackling long-awaited projects, and continuing his talent for finding and fixing free treasures from the side of the road.

Congratulations, Captain Brian Jones, on an outstanding career. Thank you for your 26+ years of service, leadership, and commitment to our department and community. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement!

Today we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make a difference in the lives of their families and our community.

A special thank you to the dads serving on our department who balance the call to serve with the important role they play at home. Your dedication, leadership, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed.

Wishing all the dads out there a safe and wonderful Father’s Day!

Yesterday, we had the privilege of celebrating several members of our department for their accomplishments, leadership, and dedication to serving our community.

Captain Carver was promoted to Fire Captain in recognition of his exceptional clinical expertise, steady leadership, and commitment to service since joining our department in 2018. Arriving as a Lateral Paramedic from the Anchorage Fire Department, he quickly became a valued leader within our EMS division, serving as a Paramedic, Community Paramedic, and Paramedic Preceptor. Known for his humility, strong work ethic, and high standards, he has helped mentor new paramedics, strengthen our EMS culture, and support countless patients throughout our community. His leadership extends beyond emergency response through his involvement with MDA Fill-the-Boot and the Community Paramedic Program, where he has continued to make a meaningful impact. Congratulations, Captain Carver!

Michael Johnson was promoted to EMS Captain in recognition of his years of dedicated service, clinical excellence, and compassionate leadership. Since joining our department in 2010, he has become a trusted leader and respected Paramedic whose influence extends far beyond the calls he responds to. As a Paramedic and Community Paramedic, he has built strong relationships throughout our community, helping connect people with the resources and care they need. Known for his calm demeanor, empathy, and ability to bring people together, EMS Captain Johnson has earned the trust of his peers, the confidence of our officers, and the gratitude of the community members he serves. Congratulations, EMS Captain Johnson!

Joe Frank was promoted to Battalion Chief in recognition of a career defined by leadership, innovation, and service. Since joining Bellingham Fire in 2008, Battalion Chief Frank has played a key role in advancing programs that have strengthened both our department and the communities we serve. His leadership helped establish the Co-Responder Outreach Alliance, expand our Community Paramedic Program, and enhance regional EMS and tactical response capabilities throughout Washington State. Known for identifying opportunities, building partnerships, and finding solutions to complex challenges, Battalion Chief Frank has consistently demonstrated professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to improving public service. Congratulations, Battalion Chief Frank!

Ramona Leon-Guerrero was promoted to Accounting Technician. Over the years, Ramona has become a valued member of our team, consistently taking on an expanded role and supporting the department through her knowledge, reliability, and commitment to service. While balancing her responsibilities at work, she has also been working toward her accounting degree, demonstrating a commitment to both personal and professional development. Her contributions behind the scenes help ensure our organization continues to operate effectively and efficiently every day. Congratulations, Ramona!

We also recognized Captain Jack Warner and Battalion Chief Joe Frank for 10 years of service to Bellingham Fire Department’s Tactical Emergency Medical Support (TEMS) Program. For the past decade, they have helped build and sustain a program that places specially trained Firefighter/Paramedics alongside the Bellingham Police Department SWAT team during high-risk incidents. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to interagency collaboration have strengthened public safety and ensured advanced medical care is available when it is needed most. Thank you both for your continued service and leadership within the TEMS Program.

Congratulations to all of these members on their well-earned recognition, and thank you for your continued service to the City of Bellingham!

UPDATE at 5:56 p.m. June 15 - Bellingham and Whatcom County 911 services have been restored.

---

Bellingham and Whatcom County 911 services are down. If you are unable to get through when dialing 911, hang up and dial the 10-digit business line at 360-676-6911 to reach the dispatch center.

We will inform you when our 911 services are working normally again.

If you do not have a phone available, go to the police station or a fire station to make an emergency report.

It's going to get toasty over the next several days, with warmer temperatures expected across our area. Take time to stay hydrated, seek shade when possible, and avoid overexertion during the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, and remember to check on family members, neighbors, and others who may be more sensitive to the heat. Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!

Step back in time with this historic photo of the Sehome Hose Company No. 1 from 1890. Pictured in front of the former Chesnut Fire Hall, these firefighters offer a glimpse into the early days of fire service in our community. Their dedication and service helped lay the foundation for the proud tradition of protecting our community that continues today!

Congratulations to the BFD Ski to Sea team on an incredible race! They took 1st place in the Corporate Division and finished 7th overall out of 500 teams. Five of our firefighters finished in the top 10 in their respective legs, an outstanding effort from an outstanding crew. Once again, they represented Bellingham Fire with pride. Well done!

Great job to everyone who competed and volunteered to make Ski to Sea happen!

Today we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their willingness to give everything so that others could live free is a debt we can never repay, only remember. On this day and every day, we are deeply grateful.

Join us Saturday, June 6th from 10 AM – 1 PM at Barkley Village Plaza for the annual family Safety Fair!

Activities for all ages featuring local fire stations, law enforcement, rescue teams, and safety info booths. See you there!

This week our crews received training from Bellingham Ford service technicians on current electric vehicles on the market. These sessions provide valuable information about the newest vehicles in the industry. We genuinely appreciate the knowledge and expertise of the Bellingham Ford team and are grateful for their commitment to advancing our crews' knowledge. Thank you!