As the Interim Fire Chief for North Whidbey Fire and Rescue (NWFR), I am fortunate to work with a group of extremely dedicated first responders. North Whidbey Fire and Rescue is a combination department. In its mission, the department provides fire and emergency medical services for the citizens of Whidbey Island. The fire district encompasses 55 square miles. From just south of Libby Rd to the Deception Pass bridge, and the waters surrounding the north end of Whidbey Island.

As a combination department, its members are comprised of volunteers and paid. This includes our Support, MSAR, Career/full-time, and part-time Firefighter/EMT's. The department's members provide emergency services 24 hours/7 days a week to all citizens and visitors in the fire district. The services that are provided by NWFR are Fire Suppression, EMS response, Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR), Rope Rescue, and Hazardous Material Response. The department also responds with our neighboring departments on automatic and mutual aid requests. 

The needs of the community are met through the quality of care coming from within the fire district. The members of the district are held to the highest standards in knowledge and personal interaction when providing emergency services.

The district's focus over the next several years is to continue to prepare our personnel for the future. This includes training our new and experienced firefighters, and leadership training for our officers. Each day our personnel are in the community engaging to build trust and confidence with those that work, play, and reside on Whidbey Island. We invite you to get to know your firefighters better by approaching them and talking to them to understand what we do.

I would like to thank you visiting the website, as you will see, this district provides a huge variety of services for such a small, modestly funded Fire Department. It is our commitment to you that we stand ready to assist you in your time of need day or night, with respect, professionalism, empathy, and compassion. As we have done since 1950.

I am very proud to lead this dedicated organization as we move forward. The North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Board of Directors and I encourage your participation in our effort to provide the highest level of service we can provide. If you have any comments, concerns, or would just like to stop by and say hello, we would appreciate any feedback.

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Interim Fire Chief

Chris Swiger

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