1977 Race - Bergy Almost Didn't Make it
Saturday May 28th dawned bright ans sunny in Northern Kentucky.
Afternoon temperatures rose into the mid 80’s and as always since
1964 I was filled with anticipation for the next days 500. Well, the
usual routine was a nice dinner with my neighbor and an early bedtime
for the 5:00 A.M wakeup. Well, that night all plans went out the door.
Kentucky experienced it’s worst fire disaster in history. Shortly
before 9:00 P.M fire was discovered in one of the banquet rooms at
the Beverly Hills Supper Club in Southgate Ky. It didn’t take long for
this to evolve into a major fire. At the time of the fire over 2,500
people were in the Club for wedding receptions and other private
parties. But, the majority of the people had come to the Cabaret room
to see John Davidson. Our fire department was first called to send an
EMS unit. Moments later a call was made for an engine company. Upon
arrival we were assigned search and rescue. After a number of trips in
and out of the building with victims the ominous sound of the blasts on
the appartus air horns signaled an evacuation of the building. Well, I
grabbed my last victim and realized I’d gotten turned around and lost
my way out.
Well, at that point I said a prayer to the Lord that if I died I was not
going to be a happy person to meet him because I was going to miss the
Indy 500. I moved around a bit and saw some light where firefighters
had knocked a hole in the wall and made my exit.
Well at that time I rooted for two Texan’s, Johnny Rutherford and A.
J. Foyt. Well I arrived back home to shower and head to Indy. My day
was special. A.J. Foyt became the first 4 time winner, and as we
learned later that was the last ride Tony Huhlman took with the
winner.
So, my wife and I are anxious for May to arrive as we make our weekly
trips for practice and qualifying then the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.
(Note: Bergy is now a member of the Kentucky Speedway Safety
Team!)
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