Bakkedahl has a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology and a Master of Science degree in Crisis and Emergency Management from UNLV.  He is a graduate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) Program, FEMA Emergency Management Advanced Academy & Basic Academy. Bakkedahl is a Certified Nevada Emergency Manager (NVEM) and an International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Certified Emergency Manager (CEM).

Bakkedahl is the current President of the Nevada Emergency Preparedness Association and chairs the Certification Committee. He is also the national Emergency Management representative on the National Alliance for Radiological Readiness (NARR) Executive Board for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Bakkedahl enjoys mountain biking and other outdoor adventures. He is happily married to his wife for 27 years and has two adult children