Eric Bernard

Episode 80: Eric Bernard is a Pittsburgh, PA native beginning his public safety career as a volunteer EMT in the Pittsburgh suburbs (Swissvale) starting at the age of 15. That is how we meet. Only a few people call me Stevie and Eric is one. In 2004, he was selected as the first executive director for the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association where he continues today. Eric works directly with the County Fire Chief, County Executive, County Council, and the public representing the needs, efforts, and work of the over 2,400 volunteer, fire, rescue and EMS professionals in 19 local volunteer fire and rescue departments of the County. He served in the United States Navy as a combat airborne medic and emergency/healthcare provider both as a US Navy hospital corpsman and later as a medical officer for eight years, including assignments supporting Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Our discussion goes from how we meet, jumping out of planes, leadership, EMS and much more.