Gordie50thparty1Jamestown  (CSi)  The public celebrated Jamestown City Fire Fighter, Gordy Christianson’s retirement from the department with a Retirement Open House.  Tuesday August 23 at the Jamestown Fire Hall,  209 2nd Ave NW.

Gordie is the longest serving volunteer firefighter with the Jamestown Fire Department is retiring after 50 years of work.

Christianson began volunteering at the department on Aug. 21, 1966, after being encouraged by some friends. He says the fire house has been his “second home” ever since.

Jamestown Fire Chief Jim Reuther has worked with Christianson for 27 years. He says the department is losing “a lot of knowledge” with Christianson’s departure.

Christianson says the biggest fire of his career was the one that destroyed the Gladstone Hotel in 1968. He says he plans to relax during retirement and looks forward to not receiving calls at 3 a.m.

Representatives  from U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp’s office were also at the celebration  and dedicated a flag to Christianson that was flown over the capitol in his honor.