Vector Solutions and IAFC’s VCOS Team Up to Announce the 2026 Training Officer of the Year

The fire service is built on a commitment to continuous learning, and few embody that commitment more than Deputy Chief Eric Bergum of the Inver Grove Heights (MN) Fire Department. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to firefighter training and professional development, Bergum has been named the 2026 VCOS Training Officer of the Year.

A 38-year member of Inver Grove Heights and Deputy Chief for the past 18 years, Bergum has transformed training within his combination department while creating opportunities that extend throughout his county and region. His innovative approach includes developing Shift Hands-On Training (SHOT) drills, expanding blended learning through Vector Solutions’ online training platform, and designing training features directly into the department’s newest fire station to provide realistic, year-round skill development.

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by paid on-call firefighters, Bergum has focused on making training more accessible without compromising quality, according to Inver Grove Heights’ Fire Chief Judy Smith Thill, who nominated Bergum for the prestigious honor. By combining mandatory hands-on drills with flexible online learning, he has strengthened operational readiness while giving firefighters valuable time back with their families, an important factor in recruitment and retention.

“His love of training, creative mind, and dedication have improved training in the department, county and region,” Thill said when making her nomination.

Bergum’s impact reaches well beyond Inver Grove Heights. Bergum serves as managing director of the Northern Dakota Training Academy, helping prepare the next generation of firefighters across multiple counties while expanding EMS and specialized training opportunities throughout the region.

Bergum’s leadership demonstrates that effective training is about more than building skills. It is about building confident firefighters, stronger departments, and safer communities. Reflecting on the award, Bergum emphasized that the recognition belongs to the entire team.

“It is such an honor to be nominated and incredibly humbling to be selected as the VCOS Training Officer of the Year,” said Bergum, who will receive the award during a special presentation for VCOS members at this year’s Fire-Rescue International in Kansas City. “This award truly should go to our whole team for their buy-in, as well as the effort they have put into our fire training.

“When training our staff, I always say ‘if I could pull a chip out of my head and give you everything I have learned in my 38 years, I would,’ but it doesn’t work that way. We have to do the physical work together to get there. Years ago, I was shown we must simplify our training, so everyone understands the basics and once your team has mastered those, then we can start building on them to get to the next level. This alone is not an easy task, due to having a combination department that includes volunteer/on-call staff who have a limited amount of time to give. In addition, we have four different generations and their different leaning styles.

“This is where Vector Solutions comes in, offering their pre-built courses and giving us the ability to add our customized training all in the same tool. This allows us to provide training that is both relevant to everyone but can also fit into the busy schedule of a volunteer firefighter. It also then tracks that training for us, so we have a record of it. That is irreplaceable! Thank you to my department, the IAFC selection committee, and Vector Solutions for this incredible honor.”

Vector Solutions has now sponsored this special honor for 13 consecutive years, and 14 of the last 16 years. Here is a list of the previous winners:

2025: Deputy Fire Chief Paul J. Wilson, Shelton (CT) Fire Department

2024: Division Chief Training Robert Barron, Flower Mound (TX) Fire Department

2023: Capt. Shane Metcalf, Irondequoit (NY) Fire District

2022: Fire Training Coordinator John V. White, Apex (NC) Fire Department

2021: Volunteer Training Coordinator James Hedrick, Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue

2020: Deputy Chief of Training Karl Neubecker, Ellington (CT) Fire Department

2019: Division Chief Lee Whitner, South Adams County (CO) Fire Department

2018: Deputy Chief Joshua Blum, Loveland-Symmes (OH) Fire Department

2017: Training Chief Michael Accardo III, St. Tammany (LA) Fire District 9

2016: Deputy Chief Steve Malone, Manhattan Fire Protection District (IL)

2015: Assistant Chief Bradley Pinsky, Manlius (NY) Fire Department

2014: Captain Chip Everett, Oshtemo Fire and Rescue (MI)

2011: Chief Sheri R. Bemis CFO, Oxford Fire-EMS (MA)

For more information on the history of this special award for fire department training officers, please click here. For more information on the IAFC’s VCOS, please click here.