FERNDALE, Wash. — Whatcom County Fire District 7 (WCFD7) Assistant Fire Chief Dean Crosswhite passed away Wednesday, April 6th. He had recently been treated for kidney cancer.
A press release regarding Crosswhite’s passing noted this is the second line of duty death in WCFD7’s 105-year history.
Chief Crosswhite was a 28-year career veteran of the fire service, coming to Whatcom County Fire District 7 in 1995. Chief Crosswhite’s tenure in the fire service began as a Resident Firefighter at Washington State University, as well as working for Kitsap County Fire District 7 and volunteering at the Blaine Fire Department before beginning at Whatcom County Fire District 7. Chief Crosswhite served as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Division Chief of Training, and Assistant Chief for Whatcom County Fire District 7.Bellingham Fire Department press release (April 7, 2022)
Donations in support of Chief Crosswhite’s legacy are being accepted through the “Whatcom Seven Firefighters Benevolence Fund” account at People’s Bank.