Fire that won’t go out — Jungck posthumously inducted into WY Firefighters Hall of Fame

Carl Jungck, a long-time Newcastle resident, passed away last spring at age 84. This past summer Jungck was inducted into the Wyoming Firefighters Hall of Fame by the Wyoming State Forestry Division. This induction was a bow to Jungck’s longtime commitment to the fire industry.

The event was hosted by the Wyoming State Fire Marshall’s Office, and Jungck was honored by friends and family alike during the ceremony. Many people were touched by Jungck’s contributions to the profession, and they recognized his time and efforts as a firefighter and as a valuable member of the community. 

“Carl’s passion for training and safety left a lasting positive impact on Wyoming’s fire service that we are truly grateful for,” Wyoming State Forestry Division posted on its Facebook page. 

Rose Baldwin, Jungck’s daughter, attended the ceremony and expressed appreciation for the recognition of her father’s efforts. 

“It made me realize to what extent my father was special to the department,” Baldwin said. 

Also attending were Jungck’s widow, Wyoma; son, Carl; and Baldwin’s husband, Mike, and their children and respective families.

Jungck’s son, Carl Eugene, was also impressed by the memorial, which was a service to honor fallen firefighters around the state. 

“The wind made the flag furl a little,” he said. “It was remarkable.” 

It was doubly remarkable because it was held at the site of his father’s old office, where he was a firefighter trainer for many years at the Wyoming Fire Academy in Riverton. 

Jungck’s work as a trainer of firefighters was indicative of his willingness to embrace and use the fast-advancing technology of the time. He traveled the state with his fire simulator, training generations of firemen to come. 

“It was impressive,” Carl Eugene said, “being an instructor when technology was advancing at a fast pace.”

Son Carl stepped into his dad’s footsteps for a period of time, working as a volunteer fireman for a decade after working for the U.S. Forest Service for 16 years. Jungck always encouraged his son to volunteer for his community. 

Jungck’s other son, Brant, also followed the firefighter path, with nearly 30 years in the field – all thanks to his father’s inspiration. He explained that he recalls going to the firehouse to “roll hose” at 10 years old. 

“The smell, it got into my blood,” he said. “It grew into a love.” 

All of Jungck’s children recounted good memories they experienced while their father worked in the fire department — from the fire trucks at local parades to just spending time at the fire hall while their dad worked. Jungck shared his passion, not only with his own children but also with the people he trained. 

Apart from his three children, Jungck had hundreds of trainees that he referred to as his “kids.” The impact he had on them has been long-lasting. 

“He trained the guys that are in the department today,” said James Curren, current Newcastle Volunteer Fire Department chief. “He made fire services what it was.”

As a fire chief, Jungck worked for the community as a whole, protecting every citizen, according to Curren. 

Apart from the work Jungck did with the Forest Service and the fire department, he was a team player and loved his community. Jungck’s children recalled the many ways their father was involved in community life – beyond his duties as a firefighter.

Brant said that it seemed as though his dad cooked for any and all events held at the fairgrounds or the fire hall.

Carl Eugene shared that while Jungck was a member of the Christ the King men’s Bible study, as part of the “morning crew,” he would wake up at 4:30 a.m. some mornings to cook for the men.

“He did that until he couldn’t,” he said. 

According to his children, faith was central to Jungck’s life. 

“He loved to sing,” Baldwin said, noting that her dad was a proud member of the church choir and participated in the holiday cantata for many years. 

Long-time friend and work acquaintance Walt Soper said that Jungck was “a very religious and conscientious man,” who was also fun to work with.

“He kept everybody awake,” Soper said.

Soper added that Jungck was a “real friend” of 30 years, and is missed. 

Baldwin said her parents were the perfect example of two people who love each other. 

“She (Wyoma) loved and supported him,” Baldwin said, “and he respected her.”

Brant Jungck explained how family was always very important growing up. 

“He made sure everybody stayed in touch,” he said. 

If there is one thing his friends and family agree on, it is that his legacy is the care and passion he wore on his sleeve. 

“It was so in him,” Brant said. “To care for other firefighters, and just people in general.”