Richard Bergen, a citizen of Forest Grove was recently awarded with a prestigious Medal of Good Citizenship award.
Bergen who has limited use of his right hand and arm and requires a brace on his right leg following a devastating motor-vehicle accident at age seven is constantly helping out the community and volunteering his time.
“I do grass cuttings, I work in the Volunteer Fire Department, doing laundry, cleaning the hall, helping clean the trucks and sometimes helping pack equipment back from scenes.”
Bergen also helped found the Forest Grove 94 Lions club and is constantly volunteering at school track and field events and helps coach the students in shot put.
Premier Christy Clark says “Over and above the countless hours that Richard Bergen volunteers to make Forest Grove a better place, he is an inspiration who has never allowed physical difficulties to stop him from making a difference.”
When asked what it means to win the award Bergen had this to say,
“Volunteering is rewarding and it comes naturally when I see things that need to be done. I don’t need a meeting to start things or get things completed. I was raised by firm parents who taught me to have a good work ethic, which I have kept all my life. I don’t volunteer for the pat on the back. It just makes me feel good to be able to do it.”
More than 220 nominations were reviewed for this year’s Medals of Good Citizenship.