By: Dave Faries, Editor
You can’t stop Glenn Jensen (shown standing in photo), you can only hope for more time in the day so he can get some rest. Jensen’s day job is at the University of Missouri hospital, but he also serves as Laddonia’s fire chief. Oh, and he owns Glenn’s Garage. He’s the only auto mechanic in the city. He has served on the Board of Aldermen. And if that’s not enough, Jensen is responsible for shooting Laddonia’s destination fireworks show, which this year promises to be bigger than ever.
1. What’s it like shooting fireworks?
You know, when I first started it was all hand lit. If you didn’t get out of the way it would blow the shirt over your head. I’ve been doing this 20-plus years. It’s a lot of work.
2. Is it easier now?
It’s less dangerous. Everything is wired and programmed with the computer, synched to music. There’s a lot of technology, but you have to be creative arranging the wires. You don’t want a mortar to knock something out of place.
3. It seems like planning is the hardest part.
It is. But it depends on what kind of music they want. We program for that.
4. Do you get to watch?
I personally haven’t had a chance to celebrate the Fourth in a long time. One day I’d like to watch.
5. Is it odd for a fire chief to be handling explosives?
When I got into this, I was chief and had to approve the permit for fireworks. I thought I might as well do it and got my license. Now I sign my own permit.
6. How big is the show going to be this year?
In years past we used up to 5-inch mortars. This year we have a range of mortars up to 12-inch. You can see it 15 miles away. As far as I know it’s the first ever 12-inch mortar every shot in the state of Missouri. It’s going to be an eye opener.
7. Do you ever have free time?
I don’t. I leave the hospital and go work in the garage. Then I eat and go to bed, seven days a week. But I love helping the community out.
8. Which car is the best?
They all break down sooner or later. I work on domestic and foreign.
9. Why were you interested in fixing cars?
My dad was a mechanic. When I graduated from high school in Laddonia I went to Bailey Tech in St. Louis. At that time I was a licensed plumber in St. Louis, too.
10. Plumber? Is there anything you haven’t done?
Probably not. At least not that I can think of.
