Saint Paul Firefighter Dies Days After Academy Graduation
BY MN CRIME STAFF
A Saint Paul firefighter who had just completed the fire academy has died following a medical emergency at his home.
The Saint Paul Fire Department announced Monday that firefighter Timothy Bertz, 52, died after suffering a serious medical event at home on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 20.
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He was taken to the hospital, where officials said his injuries were ultimately not survivable.
Bertz had recently fulfilled what the department described as a lifelong goal, graduating from the Saint Paul Fire Academy’s Class 2025-B on Wednesday, Dec. 17, just days before his death. He was also a military veteran, having previously served as a Navy SEAL.
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Before joining Saint Paul Fire, Bertz began his fire service career in 2017 as a paid-on-call firefighter with the Harris Fire Department. He later served nearly two years as a duty crew member with the Lino Lakes Fire Department. While his time with Saint Paul Fire was brief, department leaders said he left a strong impression on fellow firefighters and academy staff.
“Tim Bertz truly reflected what it meant to be a Saint Paul firefighter,” 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 Saint Paul. We are grateful for the time we had with Tim and are devastated by this loss.”
Bertz is survived by his wife, Andrea, along with extended family, friends and colleagues. The department said it is extending its condolences to all those grieving and thanked his family for their support of his service.
A public memorial service is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 in Forest Lake.
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