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Two ‘Brothers’ Stood Together

Brothers-in-law are remembered as two of an honorable, dedicated kind

By Howard Buck
Published: December 20, 2009, 12:00am
5 Photos
A police escort leads family and friends to the memorial service held Saturday at the Clark County Event Center for Dist. 6 firefighter Rick Streissguth and brother-in-law Doug Jacobsen. The two died in Montana car crash on trip to buy an antique fire truck on Dec.
A police escort leads family and friends to the memorial service held Saturday at the Clark County Event Center for Dist. 6 firefighter Rick Streissguth and brother-in-law Doug Jacobsen. The two died in Montana car crash on trip to buy an antique fire truck on Dec. 5. Photo Gallery

Born into a firefighting clan without a moment’s doubt as to his life’s work, Rick Streissguth found a kindred spirit in his brother-in-law, Doug Jacobsen.

Together, they doted on fast cars and vintage fire engines. Dwelled on fine details and drilled into others that tasks be done the right way. Made fast friends and, above all, cherished their families and loved ones.

“Brothers don’t need the same blood,” was the line from some forgotten movie that perfectly matched the pair, agreed those who knew them best.

And it was mostly brothers-in-arms — firefighters, emergency responders, law officers and other volunteers, in crisp dress uniform — who packed the Clark County Event Center on Saturday for a memorial service for the two men.

A crowd of 1,500 gathered to honor Fire District 6 firefighter “Ricky” Streissguth, 45, son of former District 6 Fire Chief Dick Streissguth, and “Jake” Jacobsen, 49, of Ridgefield, a business manager at the Tualatin, Ore., regional office of Snap-on Tools.

Both were killed Dec. 5 in a single-vehicle accident near Anaconda, Mont. They were headed for Bozeman to pick up a 12th antique fire engine to enhance the Streissguth family collection started long ago by Dick.

Scores of Snap-on Tools colleagues also paid tribute at Saturday’s service.

Several company delivery vans meshed with fire engines and other vehicles in a stately procession. Starting at noon, the line looped from District 6 headquarters in Hazel Dell, to fire stations in Lake Shore and Salmon Creek, before entering the Clark County Fairgrounds under an oversize American flag draped between hook-and-ladder trucks.

As colleagues saluted, the fire gear of Streissguth, empty boots included, and a large Snap-on tool bin were carefully lifted from District 6’s own antique “Engine Zero” that had led the way.

Naturally, the tool bin was a spot-on match: fire-engine red.

From an opening flag salute to the closing, unanswered “last call” for Streissguth, friends and co-workers marveled at the men’s shared traits.

“Ricky loved his job, and he showed it every day,” said Ryan Reese, District 6 firefighter-paramedic and its union Local 1805 leader. “There is a hole in our organization that will take years to fill.”

Indeed, Streissguth, whose brother, Steve, is a deputy chief with the Vancouver Fire Department, could hardly wait to turn 16 before joining fire volunteers in 1980. The Columbia River High School graduate joined Fire 6 permanently in 1987.

“No one gave more than Rick,” said District 6 Fire Chief Jerry Green. “He was a great role model, a great ambassador for the fire district and firefighters in general.”

Likewise, Jacobsen’s passion for excellence and his ability to bond with co-workers and clients shone brightly, associates said.

“Jake believed in living life to the fullest,” said Jeff Howe, a Snap-on sales manager. Few projects went untackled and few colleagues escaped ribbing by the Camas High grad, he said. Those close to him were swept up “like a team of soldiers looking for the next call of duty,” he said.

Tapping into his own lexicon, Snap-on manager Barry Young sized up Jacobsen: “People just liked him. He was a good bloke.”

Photo montages of the two men played on large screens on a black-draped stage inside the cavernous Event Center.

At each end was parked a Streissguth antique fire engine — both brilliant-red 1927 Ahrens models, well-known in Clark County for their frequent parade appearances.

Emergency responders of all types mingled in a follow-up reception. Uniform badges revealed the scope of support for Streissguth and District 6, ranging from North Kitsap County to Springfield, Ore.

Family members attending on Saturday included Streissguth’s wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Mackenzie, 15.

His son, Jacob, 13, seriously injured in the deadly accident, continues to recover well, said Rev. Bill Van Nostran, who led the ceremony.

Jacobsen is survived by his wife, Kay Streissguth-Jacobsen, who also attended.

Donations to the Streissguth/Jacobsen Memorial Fund can be made at any branch of People’s Community Federal Credit Union.

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