Bert has been a member of the Orange Volunteer Fire Company since 1972. Bert held the position of Chief between 1985-2007, and had previously held the positions of 1st Assistant Chief, and Captain. 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.