Work Zones and Wildfires, Hardhats and Fire Helmets: Our Road Workers Pull Double Duty for Washingtonians

by Celeste Dimichina

Valerie Bergmann: One of WSDOT’s many volunteer firefighters

By day (or night!) you can find Valerie in a work zone on a state highway. Rain or shine, hot summer days or during a winter storm, Valerie is out with her fellow crew members making sure that Washington state travelers get where they need to go safely.

In her free time, Valerie works as a volunteer firefighter. Aside from regular service to her community, she worked on four wildfires just on the Fourth of July alone!

“Impressive and inspiring!” is what most people think when they learn about her story. Not only that, did we mention she’s only 21 years old? Valerie is a young person who is truly dedicated to her community.

Valerie Bergmann, currently a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 in southwest Washington, started her WSDOT career at just 19 years old through the “High School to Highways” program. This two-year program allows high school graduates to start working with WSDOT. After that, she transitioned to a full-time job as a Highway Maintenance Worker 2. When not on the road, Valerie volunteers with the Cowlitz County District One Fire Department.

And it’s not just Valerie! More than 50 WSDOT employees who work in roadway maintenance are also volunteer firefighters. So, the next time you drive past a work zone, know that any of those crew members might also be volunteering to fight fires in your community!

Valerie shares a selfie with a garter snake she found while cleaning up debris alongside the highway.

Valerie’s passion for helping people is clear. Her story highlights the dual roles many of our employees fulfill, balancing professional duties with community service.

Choosing between fight or flight

Following a round of winter weather in January, Valerie and her crew were called to fill potholes along I-5 in northern Vancouver. As the crew parked on the shoulder to prepare for the evening’s work, a suspected drunk driver struck their trucks from behind at nearly 70 miles per hour. All six employees ended up in the hospital. Three of the six crew members, including Valerie, are volunteer firefighters with first aid training. They attended to each other and the driver that struck them before they headed to the hospital themselves. Though they survived the crash, crew members sustained injuries that some of them are still dealing with over seven months later.

“Seeing and assisting with crashes as a firefighter is one thing but experiencing it firsthand with your own crew is an entirely different situation. It really shakes you to your core.” Despite the trauma, Valerie’s firefighter and first aid training kicked in: “Even after being hit, in a split second, I just knew how to react, and I knew I had to choose between fight or flight. Given the extensive emergency training I’ve had, I couldn’t choose flight – that’s just not me. So, we checked in with one another to see if everyone was okay. Then we began assessing the driver’s injuries. While it was a scary situation, it was a familiar situation.”

Valerie stands in front of a controlled housefire as part of her ongoing firefighting training.

However, following the crash, the mental toll it took on Valerie was significant. “It was depressing. Being taken away from my job and the community I serve was hard. I found myself sitting at home feeling really frustrated that I couldn’t do what I love doing. My hope is that my story serves as a reminder and that it encourages at least one person to make safer choices while on the road.”

Each of our crew members takes pride in their work as public servants and first responders, and Valerie is no different. Since graduating high school, she has dedicated both her personal and professional life to serving the public. Now, she is asking the public to help her continue doing just that.

Driving home the importance of road safety

Valerie’s story underscores the importance of safety in work zones. She urges drivers to realize the impact of their actions. “Behind the orange vest, we are people with families who are waiting for us at home. Not to mention, our communities depend on the volunteer services that firefighters provide. If we get hurt and can’t work or volunteer, that’s one less person to help you during an emergency – when you want as many people to help you as possible! If you’re driving, please, don’t text. If you have a drink, don’t drive. Focus on driving and driving only. I can’t stress this enough.”

Valerie also highlighted the need for better driver behavior. “Driver behavior needs to improve nationwide. How many more people need to get hurt or die while on the job? We understand that distractions happen. So, we’re asking everyone to do their part to minimize them and just focus when you’re behind the wheel.”

Comparing public perceptions

Valerie pointed out the difference in public interactions with firefighters versus road workers:

“Both jobs are about helping and serving the public. We repair roads for you, often working late at night, early in the morning, and in all types of weather. It’s important work. Our crews are dedicated and working hard to keeping every road user safe.”

“On the other hand, the work I do as a volunteer firefighter is equally important. The crew of volunteers I fight fires alongside are some of the hardest-working, most dedicated folks I’ve ever met, who volunteer to keep their neighbors and communities safe. But while people immediately move over for fire trucks, they often ignore road workers. If everyone just took a few extra minutes to slow down and move over when you see our crews working, it gives us the peace of mind we need to know that you see us, and you care about us and the work we’re doing to keep you moving – which helps ensure everyone gets back home safe at the end of the day.”

A photo from one of the four wildfires Valerie was called to on the Fourth of July.

The dangers of driving under the influence

In 2023, there were 1,228 work zone crashes statewide, including 10 fatal and seven DUI-related. In the first six months of 2024, Clark County alone recorded six work zone crashes tied to suspected impaired driving, resulting in eight injuries, including the incident involving Valerie.

Work zone safety reminders

Valarie’s story is a crucial reminder to:

1. Stay focused: Eliminate distractions, especially in work zones.
2. Obey speed limits: Follow posted speed limits to keep everyone safe.
3. Plan ahead: Be aware of work zones and plan alternate routes if needed.
4. Show respect: Give road crews space to work safely and acknowledge their efforts.
5. Stay sober: Impaired driving causes accidents, injuries, and fatalities every day.
6. Follow the rules of the road: When you see lights and hear sirens, slow down and move over. It’s the law!

Valerie poses for a photo in the snow while wearing her firefighting “turnout” gear.

Valerie, along with many WSDOT employees, dedicate themselves to their roles with the agency and as volunteer firefighters, emergency responders and more within their communities. Their commitment to serving the public is a powerful reminder of the importance of road safety and the impact our actions can have on the lives of others.