LONGTIME LOCAL FIREFIGHTER RETIRES

  

A long-time local firefighter was recognized on the occasion of  his retirement after over half a century of service.

The Washington Volunteer Fire Department honored Captain Robert Jensen for 51 ½ years of service. Jensen recently announced his retirement from active duty.

Washington Fire Chief Chris Casada recounted the service of Jensen’s decades in the department including donations, training, support, meals prepared, the untold number of fire responses and his mentorship.

Jensen started at the Washington VFD before he reached the age to officially be a fireman.

He followed his dad, Bennie Jensen, his brothers: Billy and Mark Jensen, sister and brother-in-law: Linda & Bobbie Oberhoff, and they were joined later by his niece Thresia Schlabach, along nephews Jon and Larry Jensen.

When there was anything that Captain Jensen could assist with, he was there.

Jensen was present when the Department built Station #1 on FM 1155 in 1971.

Most recently, when the need for Station #2 came to be, he donated the parcel of land in time for the County to apply for a grant towards the construction of the facility.

Later, when the EMS AirMed program needed a hanger, Jensen donated more land. The hanger has been named the Jensen-Miller EMS hanger in appreciation of his continued generosity.

Current and Former members of Washington VFD gathered at his residence to present him tokens of appreciation.

In addition to that, several memories were shared and all those present wished him a much deserved, restful retirement from active firefighting duties.