Flemming Bertelsen was born and raised in Santa Barbara and spent his high school years working as the groundskeeper at Rancho La Sherpa next door to Rancho Del Cielo. During this time, his church had the great honor of twice being visited by President Reagan while he was in office. Flemming graduated from Humboldt State University in 1997 where he studied forestry. It was there that he observed firsthand the senseless breakdown of society resulting from a collective deviation from faith in God and conservative principles.
He concluded a 22-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, the last five years of which were served in Southern Utah. Flemming’s primary work experience has been in wild land fire suppression, where he has served as battalion chief, engine boss, fire investigator, fire prevention officer, law enforcement officer, hotshot crew member, trail boss, and backcountry ranger.
Other occupations he has held over the years include preserve manager for the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy, outdoor school instructor for El Camino Pines Lutheran School, youth leader for the Santa Barbara First Presbyterian Church, landscaper, groundskeeper, and commercial fisherman in Alaska.
Flemming is ever-increasingly in awe of Ronald Reagan. He is honored, delighted and filled with purpose to serve as the caretaker of the President’s beloved ranch.
