JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – For more than 32 years, Jerry Bergquist has been behind the implementation of 911 services in Stutsman County, helped through numerous disasters, and has become greatly respected in his role as 911 Coordinator and Emergency Manager.

Now, Bergquist is saying good-bye to a position he helped build from the ground up. In 1988, the Stutsman County Commission created the dual coordinator and Emergency Manager position, the first in North Dakota.

Bergquist says while serving the county, he worked with 20 Presidential Disaster Declarations ranging from flooding to snow clearing and heavy snowfall events. More recently, his work has been with drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over time, Bergquist has seen the 911 systems and Emergency Management role change and adapt. The most significant change for emergency services that he saw was when the Twin Towers were attacked in 2001.

Bergquist says some of the most important accomplishments over his tenure included crafting the 911 system, partnerships with Barnes & Richland Counties, and working together with local officials, agencies, and entities in times of emergency.

When asked what he would miss most about the job, Bergquist said simply; people.

Bergquist says he looks at retirement as a “second job” adding he plans to stay active and involved with various community projects and organizations. He added he won’t miss being on call at all hours of the day and night.

Andrew Kirking will be Stutsman County Emergency Manager, bringing more than 8 years of experience from Pembina County. Riley Schafer will have the role of Assistant Emergency Manager and Communications Administrator for Stutsman County after serving in the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office. Read more about them here.

The public is invited to wish Jerry Bergquist well on his retirement at an open house today from 11 AM to 3 PM in the lower level of the Law Enforcement Center in Jamestown.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Jerry Bergquist below: