Bergman will be the eighth fire chief since the department was formally established in 1946. He has served the department for 15 years, including the last four years as deputy chief. During that time, he has overseen the fire department’s accreditation process through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), an internationally recognized benchmark for fire and emergency services, operated as the project manager for the design and build of the new Fire Station 41, and managed the department’s Community Risk Reduction Division.
.He replaces Kujawa, who joined the fire department as a volunteer and part-time firefighter/paramedic in 1992 and ascended the ranks before being he was appointed fire chief in March 2019
“We’ve worked side by side for almost five years and I think he just exhibits great leadership and the ability to have a vision for our fire department and where it needs to go,” Kujawa told this news outlet Tuesday. “Utilizing technology to take the department into new areas. He’s been really good at that.”
Bergman earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with specializations in management information systems and public administration from Bowling Green State University. He joined the fire department in 2008 as a full-time firefighter/paramedic and was promoted to lieutenant in 2014.
During his time with Washington Twp., Bergman has pursued professional development by achieving CFAI credentialing as a chief fire officer.
Washington Twp. Administrator Mike Thonnerieux said Bergman is a strong leader who brings years of experience and “a strong commitment of continuing to provide excellent service” to the Washington Twp community.
“Nick has a genuine commitment to the continual improvement of fire department services, to the safety and health of crews, and to the professional development of all members,” Thonnerieux said in a release.
Bergman also participates in outside professional contributions including as a CFAI peer assessor, conducting site visits, and reviewing documentation for fire departments across the country. Prior to his appointment to deputy chief in 2019, Bergman served as Battalion Chief for four years, overseeing the relocation and transition of dispatching services to a contracted service and assisting with the accreditation process.
Bergman said he was “very excited and proud” to be selected as chief.
“It’s a great department and I’m very ecstatic to be able to take over and continue to grow this department into becoming even greater than it already is,” he said.
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