UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 8, 2010

BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 999-4400

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o            Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o            Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o            Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Item 8.01 Other Events

On October 8, 2010, Berry Petroleum Company announced the appointment of Mr. Davis O. O’Connor, 56, as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary effective October 8, 2010.

Mr. O’Connor previously served as a partner and an associate with the Denver law firm of Holland & Hart LLP since 1979 where he practiced in the areas of domestic and international business transactions including mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures and related transactions primarily in the oil and natural gas industry.  Mr. O’Connor earned his Bachelors and Juris Doctor degrees from Cornell University.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereto duly authorized.

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