The El Dorado Hills Fire Department was joined by members of the community Saturday as they carried on a tradition of remembering one of their own that lost his life in the line of duty.
Back on Sept. 16, 1965, Lt. Peter Bertelsen, a member of the El Dorado Hills Fire Department, was serving his community when he made the ultimate sacrifice and lost his life in the line of duty.
Each year since Bertelsen’s passing, the El Dorado Hills Fire Department comes together on the anniversary of that tragic day to honor him for his service. Saturday that traditional continued at the Bertelsen Park that was dedicated in the firefighter’s name in 1965 after his passing.
“Today, members from the Bertelsen family and El Dorado Hills Fire gathered at the Peter Bertelsen Memorial Park to cherish the memory of “Pete,” reads a statement from the department. Every year, on this solemn anniversary, we raise a flag in Pete’s honor, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to never forget his sacrifice.”
The El Dorado Hills Fire Department was formed in 1963. The agency was born when the El Dorado Hills County Water District was formed to provide water and sewer services to the community of El Dorado Hills.
The first station, known today as Station 85, was constructed in 1963 with the help of the volunteer firefighters and was utilized as a Fire Department, community building, Community Services District office, and County Water District office.
