08/03/2026
Five Questions, Five Answers with Shift B Battalion Chief Bergen.
B/C Bergen was promoted earlier this year and also acts as our Training Officer, ensuring that continued training is scheduled, manageable, and consistent. He was happy to answer five questions about himself and the East Moline Fire Department:
What do you enjoy most about your job?
There are many things that I enjoy about this career. I enjoy the camaraderie with my fellow firefighters, I find purpose in helping the members of my community when they need assistance, and I like the challenge of pushing myself to be ready when called upon for any situation. The thing I enjoy most though is how you never know what is going to happen when you go to work. Each shift brings new adventures and problems to solve.
How does the EMFD prepare for emergencies?
Fire departments are tasked with a broad array of responsibilities across the community. We have to be ready to respond to any number of situations including fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, water emergencies, entrapments, car accidents, and many, many more. Training for all of this requires firefighters to have well-developed problem-solving skills and an understanding of what needs to happen at each of those emergencies. We do this through in-house training, training with other local departments to build inter-community relationships, and classes taught at the State level so we have a working knowledge of current best practices. It takes a lot of training to be a good firefighter, but it's worth it!
Is it OK to hide during a fire?
It may be tempting to hide during a fi, but it is never a good idea. Fires are scary and your first instinct may be to try to find a safe place to hide, but the best thing you can do is try to get out of your house and get to a pre-designated meeting place with the rest of your family. If you aren't able to get out of a burning building, barricade yourself inside of a room and put a towel or shirt at the bottom of the door to keep the smoke out. Make as much noise as you can so that the firefighters coming to help you can find you quickly and get you to safety.
What call has had the biggest impact on you?
I was fortunate to participate in the delivery of a healthy baby boy on an emergency medical call at someone's residence a few years ago. Although I had a child of my own at the time, this was my first time helping a mother give birth outside of a hospital. Although my partner was right outside the door, there was only space for the mother and I in the small room where the baby was born. It was an incredible moment and there were no complications. I'll never forget it. It's a memory that I return to again-and-again when calls don't end so well to remind myself that we are a positive influence on the community.
How has being a firefighter changed your life?
Being a firefighter mas made a huge impact on my life. This career has taught me skills that I never thought I would have and allowed me to see things that most of the public never get to see. It has provided financial stability for my family and has a great schedule that allows me to spend more quality time with my kids. I've built friendships that will last a lifetime and feel like I'm part of an extended family who look after each other through thick and thin. Being a firefighter makes me feel connected to my community in a way that I never experienced in other jobs. I've been able to help people on their worst days and celebrate with people on their best days. This job is not for everyone, but for those who can make the cut it is an exciting career that is second-to-none.
