Funeral procession for Fort Smith fire chief was Wednesday morning

The funeral procession for late Fort Smith Fire Chief Phil Christensen was Wednesday, Feb. 15 in downtown Fort Smith.

The procession departed the Fort Smith Fire Station One, 200 N. 5th Street and arrive at Evangel Temple Assembly of God at 1110 S. 12 Street.

The funeral open to the public was at Evangel Temple Assembly of God in Fort Smith.

Streets closed on the procession. route The route was down N. 5th Street, Garrison Avenue, Towson Avenue and on crossing streets.

Members of Christensen's family were in the funeral procession along with members of the Fort Smith Fire Department, according to a news release from the City of Fort Smith.

Anyone who wanted to show their support for the family and the fire department could to park along the procession route and stand in observance.

Christensen found a nine-month battle with cancer before he died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023.

Chief Christensen "valiantly" battled cancer, and his death is considered to be in the line of duty, a statement from the City of Fort Smith reads.

"It is with great sadness that the City of Fort Smith shares the passing of Fire Chief Phil Christensen on Saturday, February 11, 2023," the statement from the city reads.

Chief Christensen joined the Fort Smith Fire Department in May 1992. He was named driver in January 1999, captain in March 2007, battalion chief in September 2013, and assistant chief in November 2015. In July 2016, he was named Fire Chief.

Chief Christensen was highly-decorated and well-respected by his peers, the statement reads.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Funeral held for late Fort Smith Fire Chief Phil Christensen