Former Deputy State Fire Marshal Terry Christensen Retires: Over Two Decades of Investigating Fires
August 20, 2011 — Terry Christensen officially retired from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office in December 2010, ending a fire service career that spanned some 36 years. Christensen started with the Hill City Fire Department, where he served for 17 years. While with the fire department, Christensen was Fire Chief for 12 years. In September, 1988, he joined the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office as a fire/arson investigator. His initial assignment was in Owatonna, but then he transferred to the Arrowhead Region in March, 1990. His area of responsibility in this area included: Koochiching, St. Louis, Itasca, Lake, Cook, Carlton and Pine counties. Christensen told The Northland Fire Wire that his most enjoyable part of the job was "working with the dedicated men and women who were part of the fire service and law enforcement communities in Minnesota." Christensen said the "most dislikable part of the job was the lives that were needlessly lost that could have been saved with a $12.00 smoke detector." He added, "The training and equipment have changed so much for the better. It's like comparing a 1960's VW to a BMW of today!" When he looks back at his career in the fire service, Christensen is quick to point out his love and admiration for the area. "I have worked all over the state," he said. "I would like to tell the fire service in the Arrowhead Region that they take a back seat to no one! I will truly miss working with them!"
Christensen's dedication to the area's fire service was reflected in his willingness to train with the region's fire departments. With the state facing budget cuts, fire investigation responsibilities fell more and more on the shoulders of the fire departments. It was Christensen who helped to train firefighters in some of the basics of fire investigation. He hand delivered and taught the course Fire Scene Observation and Preservation-First Responding Fire Personnel. "We really benefited from this course," said Eveleth Fire Chief Steve Sklors. "We really appreciated the fact that he came to our department to put on this class. We learned a lot!"
Christensen's successor, Jim Iammatteo of Keewatin, says he has some big shoes to fill. "Terry was a hard worker and very dedicated to his profession," said Iammatteo. "He loved working with the fire departments and law enforcement officials in this region. He also had some very difficult fire investigations through the years, but through his relentless efforts, those investigations were solved. He's a tough act to follow."