Beloved senator gets hometown send-off today

More than 1,000 people are expected at a memorial service today for State Sen. Lawrence Jacobsen whose 40-year political career reflected the love and dedication he felt for Douglas County.

The service is to begin at 10 a.m. in Minden Park and has attracted guests and dignitaries from across Nevada, including Gov. Kenny Guinn, and retired U.S. Senator and former Gov. Richard Bryan.

Jacobsen died July 26 at his Minden home. He was 85.

The East Fork Fire and Paramedics Districts, on behalf of the Douglas County Engine Co., issued an invitation to fire departments across the state to send representatives to the service.

As of noon Thursday, departments from Carson City, Storey County, Tahoe-Douglas Fire, Nevada Division of Forestry, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, State Fire Marshal, Central Lyon County and the Sierra Fire Protection District were sending apparatus and personnel.

Officials estimated 25 pieces of fire equipment - including the Douglas County Engine Co.'s historic LaFrance and Seagrave engines - would be displayed around the park.

Jacobsen served as a Douglas County volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years. He also worked for passage of legislation on behalf of firefighters and emergency personnel during his four decades in the Nevada Legislature.

Deputy East Fork Chief Bobby Wartgow encouraged people to arrive early for the ceremony and to be on the lookout for pedestrians and equipment. Parking around the park will be restricted to the fire departments

Volunteers planned to set up 1,000 chairs in the park.

Celebrants include Pastor Tom Windsor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pastor Pete Nelson of Carson Valley United Methodist Church and Father John Corona, retired pastor of St. Gall Catholic Church.

Speakers include Bryan, State Sens. William Raggio, R-Reno, Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, and Bernice Mathews, D-Reno, all longtime legislative colleagues, and television personality John Tyson.

Honor guards representing the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts, the Nevada Department of Public Safety, U.S. Navy and the Nevada National Guard also are to participate.

Following the service, the Jacobsen family will host a reception at the CVIC Hall and everyone is invited.

Jacobsen was eulogized at the Minden Town Board meeting Wednesday presided over by his son, Bruce. Lawrence Jacobsen served on the Minden board early in his political career.

"Dad always wanted to know what was going on with the town, who was the chairman," Bruce Jacobsen said. "It means so much to our family to be part of this community."

Town board member Bob Hadfield said Lawrence Jacobsen was the "consummate resident of the town of Minden."

"It pleases me immensely that people can be in the environment of the Minden Park to celebrate his life," Hadfield said.

HONORARY PALLBEARERS

Elmer Bull, Mike Coles, Bernie Curtis, Virgil Getto, Bob Kawcak, Pat Kimmerling, Bernice Mathews, Jimmy Miller, Larry Pedrett, Norman Prupas, Bob Rudnick, Don Stangle

MEMORIAL

In lieu of flowers, the Jacobsen family asks that donations be made to: Douglas County Fire Museum, in care of East Fork Fire & Paramedics Districts, PO 218, Minden NV 89423.

IF YOU GO

Today's memorial service for Sen. Lawrence Jacobsen is open to the public. The service is to begin at 10 a.m. at Minden Park. Because of the large turnout expected, people are encouraged to arrive early. Parking around the park will be restricted to fire departments setting up an honor guard for the senator. Fifth Street from Esmeralda Avenue to Highway 395 is designated parking for the family.