North Whatcom Firefighter Passes Away

First Line of Duty Death in NWFR History

With regret, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue wishes to notify the public of the death of John O. Swobody.

John passed away Monday evening with his family and friends at his side following a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Annette and his three children.

Later that evening, Fire Chief William Pernett told the family, “John will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. His service to this community and those around him was sincere and upheld the mission of the fire district”.

Because his cancer was determined to have been caused by his profession as a firefighter, John’s death is considered to be a Line of Duty Death. John is the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in North Whatcom’s history. He will be honored as a fallen firefighter with due regard. The LODD funeral service is currently being planned by the family and NWFR. More information will be published as it becomes available.

John joined North Whatcom Fire and Rescue in July of 1999. He served this community in many different capacities including; Firefighter, Training Captain, and Division Chief. John responded to thousands of 911 calls and was kind, compassionate and giving. John was truly in the profession that suited him best.

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue is grateful for Firefighter Swobody’s service to our community. He will never be forgotten.

 

 

 

A Line of Duty Death (LODD) Public service will be held at Christ the King Church, 4173 Meridian Street, Bellingham on Saturday, June 16 at 10:00 a.m.