New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“Message and announcement from RFD Chief Scott Weigel:
It is with deep regret, we are saddened to announce the passing of former RFD Lieutenant Conrad Slim Bernier at the age of 90.
Lieutenant Bernier’s career in the fire service spanned over 70 years and began at the age of 12, as a junior member of the Acushnet Fire Department. His love for the Fire Service continued as he grew older and in the early 1960’s upon moving to Rochester, Lt. Bernier began his career with the RFD. His committed and dedicated career with the RFD lasted over 50 years. His service to the RFD and to the Rochester Community was unwavering.
Rochester Fire Department photo.
In 2018 Lt. Bernier was honored at the Annual Fathers Day Clambake with a gold-plated fire axe in appreciation and recognition of his many years of service to our community. During his RFD career Lt. Bernier trained and mentored many young Firefighters and EMTs. He loved the Fathers Day Clambakes and missed very few of them, an annual fundraising event that he took a lot of pride in supporting.
Lt. Bernier had a thirst for knowledge and was known to have taken many college courses in his later years.
Lt. Bernier was a US Army Veteran. Following that he worked his entire career as a line serviceman for New England Telephone. He was well known throughout our community for not only his fire service but also as a Blacksmith, a craft that he was well known for not just in Rochester, but also in the neighboring town of Freetown where he founded a Blacksmith program at the Freetown Historical Society. He was a pilot and was well known at the New Bedford Airport. He became a staple at the Rochester Senior Center where he enjoyed attending weekday breakfasts and the camaraderie with his fellow neighbors.
Rochester Fire Department photo.
He was always quick with a smile and always had a story to tell with a lesson to learn. Lt. Bernier was a great department ambassador, a true leader, and a true friend.
Lt. Bernier you will be missed and you will never be forgotten.
Services will be held Friday from 8:00am-9:00am at the Rock Funeral Home in New Bedford followed by a funeral mass at St Rose of Lima Church in Rochester at 10:00am followed by an Interment at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford.” -Rochester Fire Department.
