An Oceanside resident for more than 60 years, Jack E. Rosenquist devoted his life to making the city of Oceanside a safer and better community.  A class of 1950 graduate, Rosenquist was looked upon by many as a “hometown hero.”  Growing up in Oceanside, he attended Mira Costa College and then moved on to the University of Arizona on a football scholarship.  Though Mr. Rosenquist passed away in 2002, the impact he left on the Oceanside community will long be recognized.  After serving in the Korean War, Rosenquist returned to the North County and joined the Oceanside Fire Department in 1954.  In 1973 he became Fire Chief, taking the department to another level of fire protection by helping to bring paramedic services to the area.  By the time he retired in 1983, the department had expanded to five stations and an investigation bureau.  Throughout his distinguished career, Rosenquist served as President of the Oceanside Firefighters Association and was a highly visible member of county, state and international fire chief associations. In working to better the city of Oceanside, Rosenquist remained actively involved with the Oceanside Unified School District, developing fire prevention programs, while regularly providing lectures and counseling. Through his experience and guidance, he administered the department’s Explorer Scout Program, helping a number of young men to master his trade and move on to successful careers as firefighters.  He also made time to serve as a board member and first Vice President of the Oceanside Boys and Girls Club, and assisted both Pop Warner football and Babe Ruth League baseball.

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