CHIMACUM — When Wally Westergaard of Chimacum died earlier this year, Jefferson County Fire District No. 1 lost a “stabilizing force,” not to mention a good friend.
Westergaard was a commissioner for the district for more than 40 years.
On Saturday, the district dedicated its headquarters station in memory of Westergaard — a man who served the community long before 9-1-1 became synonymous with emergencies.
About 75 community members, including current and former firefighters, attended an open house to recognized Westergaard.
A large sign now adorns the east side of the building at 9193 Rhody Drive, proclaiming it to be W.O. Westergaard Station 11.
Westergaard, 82, died March 4 of brain cancer.