Phil Christensen, the fire chief in Fort Smith, passed away after a nine-month cancer fight

Little Rock, Arkansas – According to a statement from the City of Fort Smith, Fort Smith Fire Chief Phil Christensen passed away on Saturday after a 9-month fight with cancer.

“Phil Christensen was a good man and will be greatly missed. He was an excellent Fire Chief, an asset to and supporter of the City of Fort Smith, and a wise advisor to me. I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Phil’s wife, Kim, and the entire Christensen family,” City Administrator Carl Geffken said in the release.

According to the press announcement, Chief Christensen’s passing will be regarded as a death in the line of duty.

In 1992, Chief Christensen joined the Fort Smith Fire Department, and in 2016, he was appointed Fire Chief.

“Our hearts are heavy today with the news of Fire Chief Christensen’s passing. His family and his brothers and sisters at the Fort Smith Fire Department, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please remember them today and in the days to come,” the Fort Smith Police Department said in a Facebook post.

The FSFD’s acting fire chief will be Assistant Chief Boyd Waters.

On Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m., a funeral service for Christensen will be placed in the Fort Smith Evangel Temple Assembly of God.

The funeral is open to the general public.