ROCHESTER, Minn. – Television news anchor Brock Bergey at KTTC, formerly at WXOW in LaCrosse, offered his moving and personal reflections on a fire that destroyed a barn on the farm where grew up near Caledonia He shared with viewers the lessons he took away from the experience as a journalist.

Verbatim: First person reflections

On a recent   5 p.m. newscast: “Before we go to break, a personal note to share with you tonight. As you may have noticed, this is my first night with you this week. My days away were unplanned and best explained through images.

“On Saturday, my family experienced a devastating loss after a tractor somehow started on fire inside our farm’s largest shed. First and foremost, no one was hurt. For that we are ever so grateful. While waiting for firefighters to arrive, there was nothing I could do but watch. So, from a safe distance, I stood with my parents and witnessed the entire shed go up in flames. Inside were eight tractors, along with other farm equipment, and a tool collection spanning several decades. Despite the prompt attack by firefighters from Canton, Harmony and Mabel, everything inside was destroyed. The first new tractor my dad purchased in 1982. My late grandpa’s John Deere 4020, our reliable go-to tractor more than 50 years. And a small utility tractor my nieces and nephews affectionately called Baby Blue.

Lessons from helplessness. As memories go up in flames.

Bergey. Back at his anchoring desk.

“Here’s what we saw when the smoke cleared. These charred remains represent a livelihood; a way of life. Here’s why I’m choosing to share this with you. Real life impacts us all. When my colleagues and I report on a fire or on a car crash or on any tragic event, someone’s way of life is forever changed. We understand that. We know people are hurting. Yet, we have a community responsibility to report local news. It’s not always easy to be in this chair. You don’t get to see us during a commercial break or after we say goodnight. Real life impacts us too. Humanity ties us together. And as we move forward in a world that can sometimes seem inhumane, may we stay mindful of our common connection. Life can change us. Memories can unite us.”