LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lakeport Fire Protection District has welcomed its newest firefighter.
Andrew Bergem, 27, was sworn in at a ceremony at the main station in downtown Lakeport on Aug. 13.
In a particularly meaningful touch in the ceremony, Bergem had his badge pinned on him by his father, Lakeport Fire Capt. Rick Bergem.
Lakeport Fire Chief Ken Wells said Andrew Bergem began his firefighting career in 2008 as an emergency medical technician for a private ambulance company in San Francisco.
That same year, Bergem joined Lakeport Fire as a volunteer, Wells said.
Wells said Bergem has attended the California Regional Fire Academy.
Bergem's position will be a firefighter/EMT. Wells said Bergem also is a hazmat specialist.
In addition to his work with Lakeport Fire, Bergem also works part-time for Ukiah Ambulance, Wells said.
When he's not busy fighting fires or rendering medical assistance to community members in need, Bergem enjoys wakeboarding, boating, music, rock climbing and fishing.
Wells said Lakeport Fire has 12 paid personnel, including himself, and 23 volunteers.
He said the department is always accepting applications from potential new volunteers.
To learn more, call Lakeport Fire Protection District at 707-263-4396.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.