FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A former firefighter in Ferndale is suing Whatcom County Fire District 7 over claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.

The lawsuit was filed by Sheena Radder in federal court last Thursday, April 23.

Radder worked at Fire District 7 for 17 years, including four years as acting captain, before resigning in April 2024.

She claims in the suit that she suffered near-weekly sexual harassment by supervisors and coworkers as one of the only female firefighters there.

According to the complaint, she reported the harassment to district leadership, which responded by denying her a promotion while later promoting one of the managers she accused of harassment.

Radder is seeking a jury trial and asking the court to order workplace reforms at Fire District 7, along with lost wages, emotional damages and other compensation.

Fire District 7 Chief Ben Boyko told My Bellingham Now in a statement that the district takes these types of allegations seriously, but says the suit’s claims are without merit. He added that the district intends to defend itself in court.