From left: State Sen. Michael Brady, Pam Berglund, State Sen. Walter Timilty, Easton Select Board Vice Chair Craig Barger and Chief Justin Alexander. Berglund holds a citation from the Massachusetts State Senate. (Photo courtesy Easton Fire Department) 
State Sen. Michael Brady (right) reads the Massachusetts State Senate citation recognizing Pam Berglund (left), for her work with the Town of Easton and Easton Fire Department, while State Sen. Walter Timilty looks on. (Photo courtesy Easton Fire Department) 
Pam Berglund (left) is recognized with a Distinguished Service Award by Easton Fire Capt. John Dzialo in recognition of her service to the Easton Fire Department. (Photo courtesy Easton Fire Department) 
Pam Berglund (left) was presented with an Easton Fire Department-branded clock by Firefighter Mike Grassa (Ret.). (Photo courtesy Easton Fire Department) 
Pam Berglund (left) was presented with a Years of Service Award from the Town of Easton by Easton Select Board Vice Chair Craig Barger and Assistant Town Administrator Michael Blanchard. (Photo courtesy Easton Fire Department) 
Pam Berglund pictured with her family. Back row, from left: daughter Kerri, Pam Berglund, husband Rick and daughter Jennifer. Front row: grandchildren Makayla (left) and Jason. (Photo courtesy Easton Fire Department) 
Pam Berglund retired effective Jan. 31 after serving as the executive assistant to the fire department for the past 21 years. (Photo courtesy Easton Fire Department)
EASTON — Chief Justin Alexander announces the retirement of Pam Berglund, who served as the executive assistant to the Easton Fire Department for the past 21 years.
Berglund worked in various positions in Easton’s Town offices, including the Treasurer/Collector’s Office before moving to her role with the fire department. In total, she worked for the Town for more than 34 years.
In her time with the fire department, Berglund worked alongside five fire chiefs. She was instrumental in starting the department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and served as program manager.
With CERT, she led training and helped to stand up multiple emergency shelters. She also dedicated numerous volunteer hours assisting at elections, providing firefighter rehab, and working at emergency shelters and COVID-19 vaccine, booster and testing clinics.
One of Berglund’s highlights while working with the department was standing up a shelter for five days following a major storm a few years ago that downed trees and caused much of the town to be without power. The sheltering endeavor was a significant opportunity and experience for the CERT, and Berglund was proud of how many residents they were able to meet and serve.
“In 35 years, I’m grateful for the different opportunities I’ve had, starting out in the Collector’s Office and serving as Assistant Treasurer and Collector for several years before going to the Fire Department and working with five different chiefs. Each Chief was unique and getting to know them was great,” Berglund said. “The Community Emergency Response Team is one of the things I loved most, developing that with Chief Kevin Partridge, managing it, getting to know the volunteers and those special friendships I made over the years. The people are what I’ll miss most; 35 years give you the opportunity to meet a lot of people.”
Berglund was recognized last week with a celebration at the Easton Fire Headquarters. The Easton Fire Department would like to thank State Sen. Walter Timilty, State Sen. Michael Brady, State Rep. Carol Doherty and all other guests who attended the event.
Berglund was honored with a citation each from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Massachusetts State Senate in recognition of her dedication to and work for the town. She was also presented with a Distinguished Service Award from the Easton Fire Department and a Years of Service Award from the Town of Easton.
“Pam was a staple at the Easton Fire Department for many years and has been an integral part of the success of our department, our community programs and the service we are able to provide to residents,” Chief Alexander said. “She helped build the CERT into the valuable and purposeful organization it is today, and contributed to the town in a myriad of other ways throughout her career. She will be missed by many in the department and the town, and we wish her a very happy retirement.”
In her retirement, Berglund plans to slow down, take a break and enjoy time with family.
Berglund’s retirement was effective Jan. 31.
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