SEPTEMBER 2012
PROFILE: CAPTAIN ROB SORENSEN
Retired Captain Rob Sorensen (Capt. Video) was born May 14, 1937, age 75 in
Ecorse, Michigan. Parents were Ebba and Aage Sorensen. Rob was born on the
kitchen table in their home at 28 Ruth Street. Rob has two sisters that had
their tonsils removed while laying on the same table. Rob also has a brother.
Rob graduated from Dearborn High School at which he played in the school band
from 6th grade to the 12th grade. Rob says he can still play the trumpet. After
graduating high school Rob joined the Navy. His last two years in the Navy he
was assigned to the “Blimp Division”.
For the last 32 years Rob has been married to Pam Crause. Rob has five children,
daughters, Lisa and Cecilly and sons, Chris, Robin and Chad.
After serving his country Rob was hired on the Fire Dept. on September 2, 1960.
His first assignment was Engine 3 at old Fire Station 1. His first officer was
Lt. Roy Wells.Rob made Engineer on Engine after 5 years and spent a total of 10
years at Station 1. Rob made Lt. and was assigned to Engine 10 with Buck
Buchanan as his Engineer.Rob was promoted to Captain and started the Video
Division in the bunkroom at old Station 8 on Stockton Street.
Rob states that the most memorable fires for him were, The Roosevelt Hotel,
Laney and Duke Warehouse and a warehouse on the river next door to the Times
Union Building and the Stewart Petroleum Fire. There was a picture taken of
Phelmer Barber, Jack Greene and Rob at the warehouse fire on Riverside that was
published on the cover of the Florida Professional Firefighters Magazine.
Rob retired January 2, 2004 with 43 !/2 years of service. Rob retired as the
head of the Video Section at the Training Academy. Rob has been very busy since
his retirement. Rob enjoys hunting and offshore fishing.
Since his retirement in 2004 Rob returned to work and setup the video department
for his two sons, Robin and Chris, in their business, Firehouse Subs.
Rob started his business, San Jose TV, calling on the electronics training he
learned in the Navy. Rob was working 56 hours a week at the fire station and
another 40 hours a week in the television service business. Rob sold the
business to his service manager in 1987. Rob still owns the building on San
Jose.
Rob still carries an emergency kit in the back of his personal car. Rob carries
his bunker gear, water fire extinguisher, crow bar, sledge hammer, pry bar and
extra tools. Rob happened on a car fire on a Sunday afternoon and helped rescue
a preacher from Jamaica. Rob pulled the man out and his wife Pam administered
first aid until units arrived on the scene and took control. Rob decided then
that he was not going to get caught ill equipped again.
Rob is very proud of his two sons, Robin and Chris and their business, Firehouse
Subs. Their business started the Firehouse Public Safety Foundation. This
Foundation contributes to Police, Fire and EMS agencies in the community.
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Rob & his emergency gear |
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Captain Video at the office |
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Rob and Pam at home on the patio |
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Rob at headquarters |
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Rob, Chris, and Robin |