NORTH COAST – Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services, CAL FIRE and all local Sonoma County fire districts are closely monitoring the medical condition of Bodega Fire Volunteer firefighter, Ben Hakala.

While actively working on the Bodega Fire on Sept. 25 near the town of Bodega, Hakala sustained substantial electrical shock when he came into contact with an energized downed power line.

Sonoma County Fire Chief Mark Aston, Bodega Fire Chief Ron Albini, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Robert Sherman and Retired Cal Fire Capt. Hank Epling visited with firefighter Hakala after the incident to follow up on his treatment and to provide comfort and support to his wife and family members.

Hakala underwent surgery Sept. 26 and is listed in critical but stable condition. Doctors expect him to remain in the hospital for approximately two weeks for further treatment and recovery. It is not known at this time if further surgery will be necessary.

He has been a volunteer firefighter with the Bodega Volunteer Fire Company for 12 years. He has been employed with Cal Fire, Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit for 11 years as a seasonal employee at the Santa Rosa Station.

Sonoma County Fire has created a trust fund on behalf of the Hakala family. Donations can be sent to the Ben Hakala Trust Fund in care of Bodega Volunteer Fire Co. at P. O. Box 28, Bodega, CA 94922.