Half a Century of Service: Worthing honors Firefighter George Wallenstein

George and his wife, Sue Wallenstein, with Worthing Pumper 3. 

“Fifty years is a long time,” is what firefighter George Wallenstein told visitors at his retirement party on Sept. 6, 2025. 

“I’m not from here (Worthing), but I moved here in 1975 and I joined (the fire department) at 26,” he said. 

Wallenstein explained that he was attending a street dance back in the summer of 1975 when it started to rain. He helped other people move chairs indoors into what used to be the old American Legion building. He shared that he happened to see a flyer that the fire department in Worthing needed more volunteers, so in September, he joined.

 A few years later, at age 30, George became Worthing’s Fire Chief. A title he held for a total of 32 years. 

To celebrate George and his dedication to the Worthing community, the Worthing Community Fire Department hosted his retirement party. 

“I thank God to begin with,” he started. “I thank my family for putting up with this for fifty years,” George chuckled with the crowd. 

“Thank you to the past, present, and future firefighters,” George finished, earning an applause from all in attendance.  But little did Wallenstein know, a meal with family and fellow firefighters was not all Worthing had in store for him. 

Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Jacobson had been planning something special to commemorate George’s service for quite some time. 

“Grab your cameras and come out front, we have a surprise,” Jacobson shared with the group. 

With everyone assembled by the front door, Fire Chief Justin Appel and Assistant Chief Jeremy Jacobson unveiled a placard dedicating the Worthing Community Fire Hall to George Wallenstein. The placard reads, “This building is dedicated to George Wallenstein in gratitude for 50 years of exemplary service and commitment to the Worthing Community Fire Department. Thank you, George!”  Wallenstein’s name will forever be etched on the fire station he helped shape.  

True service leaves a lasting legacy—not just in the walls of a building, but in the hearts of a community.