Days after Timothy Bertz reached his dream of becoming a St. Paul firefighter, he suffered a serious medical event at home, the fire department said Monday.
Bertz, 52, was hospitalized, where he died.
Timothy Bertz (Courtesy of the St. Paul Fire Department)
He started his career as a firefighter in 2017 as a paid-on-call firefighter at the Harris Fire Department in Chisago County and later was a duty crew member with Lino Lakes Fire Department.
“Tim Bertz truly reflected what it meant to be a St. Paul firefighter,” said Fire Chief Butch Inks said in a statement. “He excelled in the academy because of his discipline and the way he led by example. This was a calling for him, and he chose to serve St. Paul. We are grateful for the time we had with Tim and are devastated by this loss.”
Bertz and 20 other people graduated from the department’s eight-week academy on Wednesday in a ceremony at the Minnesota History Center. He hadn’t yet worked his first shift as a St. Paul firefighter; the new firefighters were still working on the training site Friday, said Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Smith.
Bertz suffered a medical event at home Saturday morning, which the fire department didn’t detail.
“While his time with St. Paul Fire was brief, firefighter Bertz’s character, dedication, and commitment left a lasting impression on those who trained with and worked alongside him,” Smith said. “… He was a proud military veteran who answered the call to serve both his country and his community as a Navy SEAL.”
Bertz is survived by his wife, Andrea, and other family and friends. A public memorial service will be held Monday at Maranatha Church in Forest Lake. The fire department said they will share details of the service when they are available.
Related Articles
Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association gives vote of no confidence in corrections commissioner
Federal agent fires gun after being struck by vehicle in St. Paul Sunday
Thomas Black: A dress code won’t make flyers behave, but a $44,000 fine will
Suburban police speak out on immigration enforcement amid ICE activity
New law inspired by fallen St. Paul fire captain will expand first responder benefits nationwide
Leave a Reply