Seymour Chief John Linsenbigler reflects on career, what comes next
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
When the Fire and Technical Rescue Committee met last week, it was chaired by Seymour Volunteer Captain John Linsenbigler. The chair position rotates through the fire and rescue captains within the county at each meeting.
Linsenbigler reminded his colleagues of his retirement in April. Although he has served for 30 years in Seymour, where a search is already underway for his replacement and a new station is being built, Linsenbigler made little mention of his retirement during the session.
Knox 911 Director Brad Anders reported that most of the new furnishings and radios have been installed at the Baxter Street headquarters. Plans are underway to move the temporary dispatching services back from the Knoxville Safety Center’s backup office in April. The upgrade will include extra dispatch cubicles and updating the servers.
Anders said the improvements will allow for better response and provide information sooner on what is being shipped through the region as part of the $1 million renovation.
The area fire and rescue chiefs also heard a brief update on a state legislative effort to have fire service declared an “essential service.”
Following the meeting, The Knoxville Focus chatted with Chief Linsenbigler and asked a series of questions about what is next for him.
How did you become interested in firefighting?
In 1980, I began working for Johnson Bible College, which had a small fire brigade. Several of us commenced training with Rural Metro. After a few months, I developed a strong desire to learn more and enhance my skills to better serve the South Knox community, particularly at that time, at Johnson Bible College. During the latter part of my 30-year career at the college, the last 12 years were spent as the fire chief of the fire brigade.
What is the most memorable fire you have experienced?
Over my 30+ years of service, I have encountered several memorable incidents, both positive and negative. I strive to compartmentalize my experiences and place the most traumatic ones in a separate space to prevent further recall. Some calls leave a lasting impact on an individual. In my case, it was during the mid-1980s when I was on the scene of a house fire.
Tragically, we had to search for the remains of some children. I vividly recall having a child of the same age at home, which deeply affected me.
Consequently, I took a leave from my duties for several months until I was mentally prepared to resume serving the community.
I dedicated four years to working full-time as an EMT on the ambulance in Knox County. Throughout this period, I experienced both positive and negative moments. The positive experiences include responding to vehicle accidents and other emergencies, where I have formed connections with families who may be facing difficult times. It is gratifying to know that I can provide support and comfort during their challenging journey.
Have you ever been injured in a fire?
I have had several close encounters in fire situations, either requiring an emergency evacuation from a flashover situation.
However, I believe that most firefighters all suffer from back injuries, as we are willing to sacrifice our bodies to assist those in need.
I’d love to hear about your family!
I married my college sweetheart back in 1981, where we first met at Johnson Bible College. We’re so grateful to have two wonderful children.
My son is currently serving in the ministry at Seymour Heights Christian Church, where he also acts as our department chaplain. He’s very active with the East Tennessee Mental Health Coalition and the state Chaplain Association. He’s married, and we have two amazing teenage granddaughters.
Our daughter was always quite independent. She graduated with her master’s from UT and is now an international school teacher, working in Europe and Asia. She spent a year in the jungles of Papua, New Guinea, where she had many adventures. She’s definitely our globe-trotting traveler, currently teaching high school and coaching basketball in Singapore.
What are your hobbies?
My wife and I enjoy traveling and camping. I am hoping to have more time to do that specifically during the summer when she is off from teaching in Sevier County.
I also enjoy cooking, whether it is on the charcoal grill, gas grill, or over my open fire with my cast-iron Dutch ovens.
What are your plans after retirement?
I’ll still be a volunteer with Seymour and helping where I can to raise money for both our operation and our Capital Campaign for building our new fire station. My wife and I love our community, specifically in South Knoxville and the Seymour area. We’re involved with our church here.
I will start a new career and try my hand at substitute teaching.
What draws you to Seymour?
It’s great to live at the foothills of the most visited national park in the United States. I always tell people the South Knoxville/Seymour corridor is the best place to live because you’re 30 minutes from anything you’d like to do, whether it’s going to the mountains for picnicking or in to going to West Knoxville shopping at Turkey Creek. I do love the views from Seymour looking at the great Smoky Mountains and seeing Mount Leconte in the distance.
How would you like to be remembered?
First and foremost, as a godly man, I am a Christian and very faithful to the word of God. (And hopefully as someone who had) a servant’s heart. Just ask my family, I don’t like to be served. I would rather serve them and others.
