The St. Paul Fire Department is mourning firefighter Timothy Bertz, a military veteran and newly sworn recruit who died at home days after completing the academy

By Mara H. Gottfried
Pioneer Press

ST. PAUL, Minn. — 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.

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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 the 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.

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