The Bellingham Fire Department announced Monday that Firefighter Paul Lewis has become a fully certified BFD Boat Operator, adding another credentialed marine responder to the department's water rescue team. Lewis, who joined the department in 2024, completed the certification after joining the Boat Program on January 1, 2026.
A Lifelong Connection to Washington Waters
Lewis brings a resume that goes well beyond basic boating experience. An avid fisherman since childhood, he grew up on Washington's rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound, developing the kind of hands-on water knowledge that translates directly to marine emergency response. Since 2017, he has worked professionally as a fishing guide, operating in waters stretching from Washington to Alaska.
He also holds a U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License for OUPV 6-pack operations, a credential that certifies operators to carry up to six paying passengers for hire and requires demonstrated proficiency in seamanship, navigation, and safety procedures. That certification, combined with his Boat Program training at BFD, means Lewis enters his new role with more real-water hours logged than most firefighters who take on marine duties.
What BFD's Boat Program Does
Bellingham sits at the edge of Bellingham Bay, with significant waterway coverage that includes the bay itself, Whatcom Creek, Lake Whatcom, and the complex network of saltwater inlets that characterize the region. Bellingham Fire Department maintains a marine response capability to handle water rescues, vessel fires, and emergencies in areas that ground-based crews cannot quickly reach.
Becoming a certified Boat Operator within BFD requires completing department-specific training on top of any prior maritime credentials a firefighter might hold. The program ensures that operators understand how to respond safely in the specific waterways and conditions around Bellingham and Whatcom County, including tidal patterns, boat traffic, and coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound.
Lewis is among the department's newer members, having started with BFD in 2024. Earning a specialized certification within two years of joining signals a commitment to expanding his operational role and the department's overall capacity for marine response.
Why This Matters for Whatcom County
Bellingham's waterfront continues to see increased activity as development at the waterfront district grows and recreational boating expands across the county. Having well-credentialed boat operators on staff means the department can deploy marine assets faster and with greater confidence in crew competence during emergencies.
Lewis joins a team of certified boat operators who support water-based operations across the city. The department has gradually expanded its marine capabilities in recent years, reflecting both the growth of the waterfront area and the increasing recreational use of Bellingham Bay and surrounding waters by residents and visitors alike. For a look at another recent development in Bellingham's public safety roster, five BFD firefighters earned paramedic certification earlier this year after an 18-month training program.
More information about U.S. Coast Guard licensing and the requirements for boat operator credentials is available through the Coast Guard's licensing and documentation office. BFD does not currently publish a roster of certified boat operators on its public website, but updates on certifications and personnel milestones are shared periodically through the department's official social media channels.
