This past August 31, Tom Jenson retired his full-time post as Edina fire marshal after nearly 31 years of public service. Jenson recalls having a passion, even as a teenager, to be a firefighter. “But I didn’t think I could because I don’t have a large build,” says Jenson. “So I went to college to study business instead.”
But Jenson also pursued first-aid classes with the Red Cross and took an emergency medical technician class in 1978. “I was an EMT on Friday nights. It was totally volunteer and it’s how I got my start,” says Jenson.
Then, in 1980, Edina decided to hire paid on-call firefighters. “There was something in the newspaper about it,” says Jenson. “I remember, my mom clipped it out for me. So, I applied. I was required to pass a written test, a physical test and a psychiatric evaluation. I guess they liked what they saw. I felt very lucky to get a position.”
Jenson hoped this would lead to a full-time position, but at that time, the department was more interested in paramedics. Jenson says, “I thought, OK. I’ll do what I can. The chief offered to take a chance on me and send me to paramedic school for two years with the promise of a full-time paramedic position. This was on the condition that I would pass the test. But by then, I was in my 30s, had a successful business and was unsure if I wanted to be a paramedic.”
Along came an opening in the department for the position of fire marshal. Jenson threw his name in the hat. He says, “The fire marshal enforces fire codes and educates the public. I was a businessman, a salesman. I viewed being fire marshal like selling safety. I didn’t have a lot of experience. But I had a plan.”
At first, the chief said no. Jenson asked again, and said he would work hard. Eventually, it was decided that Jenson would be a good fit for the job. In 2000, Tom Jenson was named Edina fire marshal.
He worked closely with city building officials. After buildings were constructed, Jenson was in charge of ensuring that sprinklers and fire alarms were properly installed and adequate. He immediately set goals to do more field work and be more productive. It’s true that the fire marshal looks for code violations, but Jenson says that what he’s really trying to do is teach people about fire safety. Compliance with storage and exit codes helps ensure the safety of the people inside of a building.
“Fires are usually caused by human behavior,” says Jenson. “Things like candles, extension cords, careless cooking, kids playing with matches and combustibles near water heaters. These are the typical cause of fires. But it’s so hard to tell someone that after they’ve suffered a loss, so I’d rather educate people on the front end and try to eliminate fire hazards.”
At age 56, Jenson is a vibrant man with much to offer the community, but he says the timing felt right and everything fell into place for him to retire this year. “It’s been difficult to take a vacation. If I’m gone for more than two hours, I return to more than 30 emails and voicemails. Plus, I was still on call to fight fires. I’m getting older. That is getting harder.”
“Thirty years ago, I was excited to go out and fight fires. But [after] years of investigating the aftermath of fires, I’ve seen sadness and loss that could so often have been avoided. That’s why I’m still drawn to the code side of things.”
Jenson believes there are fewer fires today in part because of work done by people like him, educating the public about fire safety. “The bells are still going to ring,” he says. “There will always be fires. But if we learn from them and teach others how to do things differently, do things better, that’s a great goal.”
Edina’s new fire marshal will have plenty of resources to tap. Jenson says the State Fire Marshal’s office and the area network of fire marshals are incredibly helpful. “The Edina Fire Department also has a very supportive staff. The new fire marshal will do just fine.”
Jenson hopes to return to public service or teaching someday. “But first, I’m going to jump in my car and go visit some friends. Maybe do a little skiing. I’ll consider future employment options when I get back.”
