Janice Lapsansky - Secretary/Treasurer

 

Janice and her husband are lifelong Washingtonians who have lived in Whatcom County for nearly 45 years, raising two children on their hobby farm in Ferndale.

 

She brings the Foundation an unusual mix of backgrounds: college educator, firefighter/EMT, doula, and researcher in the emergency care and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Her admiration for people who build a career around service is, in her words, boundless. 

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As a perpetual student, Janice is always picking up new training and skills to promote health in her community. She referees soccer for all age groups, including athletes with Washington Special Olympics, and when the weather warms up, she trains and races with the Bellingham Bay Outrigger Paddlers.

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Dick Williams - Board Member

 

Dick spent 32 years in the fire service, including 27 with the City of Bellevue, where he retired as Captain of Ladder 1. 

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He attended the University of Washington's Medical School and served as a paramedic for a decade before advancing to Medical Services Officer, a role he held for another ten years, and finally to Captain. 

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Dick moved to Bellingham with his family - his wife Linda and daughters Tiffany and Tarrah - in 2001 and has a deep appreciation for the care first responders provide in Whatcom County. When not enjoying family and time spent in Arizona, you can find him working as the Director of Health & Safety for RAM Construction.​

Marie "Buzz" Bussard - Board Member

 

Marie is a former Bellingham Fire Department Firefighter and Paramedic with a long-standing commitment to public service in Whatcom County. She volunteers at the Mt. Baker Ski Area and teaches EMT courses, supporting emergency preparedness and community care.

 

Marie lives in Whatcom County with her wife and dog; enjoying the region’s natural beauty and taking advantage of the abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. She is proud to serve on the Whatcom County EMS Foundation Board and is committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission to strengthen the future of pre-hospital care across the county.​

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Marv Wayne, MD - Board Member

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Marv came to Bellingham fifty years ago and helped build the EMS system that Whatcom County relies on today.

 

Originally from Detroit, he attended the University of Michigan Medical School, completed a fellowship in London and a surgical residency in Denver, and served as a surgeon in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

 

Following his service, he moved to Seattle, and then to Whatcom County, where he worked with others to establish local emergency medical services. He has spent the decades since developing and expanding these services. He's proud of this work, and of the people he's inspired to take it further. As he winds down his career in EMS, he continues to help shape its future.

Join our Team!

 

Please contact us if you are interested in advancing our mission with your skills and interests. 

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