Bellingham Fire Department is hosting the return of the Future Women in EMS and Fire Workshop on May 2 and 3, 2026, a two-day career exploration event designed to introduce participants to careers in emergency medical services and firefighting. The workshop, led by women from agencies across Whatcom County, is open to anyone 18 or older and welcomes participants of all genders.
The event offers a hands-on look at what it means to work in public safety. Participants will take part in instruction sessions, demonstrations, and discussions led by working professionals from fire departments and EMS agencies throughout the county. The format gives attendees a realistic preview of the skills, responsibilities, and daily realities of emergency services careers in Whatcom County.
Applications are due by April 27, 2026, and interested participants must complete the online application to be considered for the workshop. The Bellingham Fire Department has offered this workshop in previous years with strong interest, making early application advisable. The application is available through the Microsoft Forms link shared in the department's official announcement.
Whatcom County has a robust network of fire and EMS agencies, including the Bellingham Fire Department, multiple Whatcom County Fire Districts, and several volunteer departments serving rural communities. The workshop brings instructors and demonstrators from this broader network together in one place, giving participants exposure to multiple organizations and career paths within the same field.
The workshop is particularly aimed at women interested in careers in fire and EMS, fields that have historically been male-dominated. By centering the event on female practitioners as instructors and role models, the program makes careers in public safety feel more accessible to a wider range of applicants. Research consistently shows that representation in instructor roles helps aspiring professionals from underrepresented groups see themselves in those careers.
Emergency services agencies in Whatcom County, as in much of Washington State, have actively pursued workforce diversification in recent years. The state has invested in outreach programs and recruitment initiatives targeting women and other underrepresented groups. Events like this workshop are a direct expression of that effort at the local level, and they often serve as the first point of contact between prospective candidates and the agencies that might eventually hire them.
For anyone considering a career in public safety, the workshop is a low-pressure, high-value opportunity to get inside information from people doing the work. No prior experience is required to apply. Participants will come away with a clearer picture of the training pathways, physical demands, and daily realities of working in EMS and firefighting in Whatcom County.
The workshop will be held in Bellingham, with the specific venue to be confirmed upon registration. Participants should submit their applications before the April 27 deadline. For more information and to access the application, visit the Bellingham Fire Department's website or check the department's official social media channels for the direct form link. Seats are expected to fill, so applying early is strongly encouraged.
