H.V. Christiansen
[Beloit, WI]— It is with great sadness that the City of Beloit Fire Department announces the passing of Retired Fire Chief Herbert V. Christiansen, he was 91 years young. Chief Christiansen has been involved in the community for many years and has been known for his tireless service to church, family, the fire department and the community.
Herb was the Fire Chief for 12 years, serving from 1967 through 1979. He was one of the most revered Chief Officers in department history. He served as the President of the Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs in 1976. He brought the paramedic program to the City of Beloit. He worked hard to improve services and fire safety through positive and fair labor relations and community involvement. Herb's fire service career did not end there. He served in his retirement on two - consolidation of fire service studies. He has served as a City Councilor, and Rock County Board person, he served on the Rock County Public Safety and Justice Committee and was the first Executive Director of the Illinois Fire Chief's Association from 1979 to 1984. He published a fire department history book in 1983 and he continued as the fire department historian until his passing. Chief Christiansen has been dedicated to the fire service and the City of Beloit for over 58 years.
He also proudly served the United States as an Infantryman and was active during wartime in Europe in WWII. Since his return to Beloit, he has been deeply involved in Veteran’s affairs including memorializing the deceased Veterans by placing American Flags on their graves every Memorial Day, a project that the entire City of Beloit Fire Department participates in.
His visitation service will be held on Thursday, February 10 from 12:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Hansen-Gravitt Funeral Home, 424 Prospect Street. The funeral will be held at the River of Life United Methodist Church, 511 Public Avenue, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 11. There will be no public burial service.