Bert has been a member of the Orange Volunteer Fire Company since 1972. Bert has held the position of Chief since 1985, and had previously held the positions of 1st Assistant Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant. He was also a member of the Kenbridge Volunteer Fire Department for several years before moving to Orange in the early 1970’s. Bert has a long list of certifications that include: Fire Officer III, Fire Instructor III, EMT-B, Vehicle Extrication, NFA ICS, and Hazardous Materials-Operations. He has been an Adjunct Instructor for the VDFP since 1976, and is an instructor for Firefighter I & II, Basic Pump Operations, and Incident Command to name a few.

Bert received his B.A. from Washington & Lee University in 1970 and graduated from the University of Virginia in 1973 with a Master’s degree in Education (Administration). He has been a Division Chief with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs since 1979. Bert was in the US Navy Reserves from 1970-71, and the Virginia Army National Guard from 1971-1976.

Bert and his wife Martha have a son, Taylor. In is spare time, Bert enjoys golfing, fishing, and attending UVA football games.