Archie Bernardi Memorial Fund

Arcata Fire Chief Archie Bernardi spent more than six decades devoted to the Arcata Fire Protection District, right up to his passing on December 22, 2007, at the age of 93. According to District Chief John McFarland, "Archie was the Grandfather of CPR in all of Northern California, changing prior practices...that were primitive and totally ineffective." Because of Bernardi's leadership, Arcata was also the first fire district in the county to have rescue saws and Jaws of Life. Archie's sons, Mark and Gary, recall their father cooking for his family and the fire department volunteers. He grew in his garden many of the ingredients in his secret recipe for raviolis, and he also kept his favorite blackberry patch---the source for his famous blackberry pies---a secret. In addition to other gifts, Chief Bernardi created this fund by bequest for the protection and conservation of wildlife in Humboldt County. (2008)

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