Oregon150

Emma Bergin
Broadway Middle School
Seaside, Oregon

Oregon, population 3,700,758; and to think I am just one of the millions who live and make my life here. I may only be thirteen, but I think that because I live in Oregon, my life is unfolding ten times greater than it ever could have. Oregon has so many wonderful sights and it gives you the chance to love the world around you. Oregon is the place to go if you want to go to the beach, mountains, valley, forest, or even just to the mall.

Many people are telling stories. I guess you could say that this my story, but it is more of a biography of someone very dear to me; my dad. Or, as most of you know him, Sheriff Tom Bergin of Clatsop County. He was born June 12th, 1958 in Portland, Oregon. He was adopted just a short time after he was born by my “grandparents.” As a kid, he was quite a dare-devil and worked hard for what he wanted, all in one. He never has been greedy; he is honorable to his word. He attended Robert Gray Elementary and went to Wilson High School. To keep himself busy outside of school, he worked small jobs such as farming, working at Copeland Lumber, and rock crushing. He saved up his hard earned money and attended Oregon State University and then moved on to the Police Academy. After he had completed the academy, he went on to start his first “cop job” at Seaside Police Department. After spending time on the work force there, he moved on to work for Clatsop County.

He was elected sheriff in November of 2004 and was sworn in on January 3rd, 2005. John Raichl was our 30th sheriff and he stepped down on that day and made my dad the 31st. Throughout his time in office, he has sworn in many new deputies, even the one and only Dwight Yoakum who is now a Clatsop County Sheriff’s Deputy. All of his dedication and time paid off during that horrific December storm. I was scared out of my mind and I was glad that my dad was there for me. He also was there for the people of the County when they were in times of distress. During the time when the power was out, his voice would be heard on the radio to reassure the many who were in need. He did many things also besides being a reassuring voice. He put gas into generators for the radio station and went to people’s houses helping them with the wind damage and the repairs needed.

He married a wonderful, devoted wife in 1990 and had me, Emma Jo Bergin. But, before our little family existed, he was married to my half-sister’s mom and had her, Anelise Kathryn Bergin. We live in a wonderful house in the outskirts of Gearhart and I know that having the peaceful and quiet home makes it all worth while.

Throughout life, we all have our good days and bad, but as long as you’re healthy and have love and hope, you’re a very strong individual. I love my dad and I always will, through the good and the bad, no matter what comes our way. I want everyone to know that, and to think how they could take something and make it extraordinary. Think DEEP.