Relatives of Thank Public

The family of William Jensen, the only firefighter injured by last month’s Calabasas-Malibu blaze still hospitalized, thanked well-wishers from all over the world Wednesday for their generosity and support of the veteran Glendale fireman.

Sitting outside the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital where the 52-year-old firefighter is still listed in serious condition, Jensen’s family spoke for the first time, saying the outpouring of support from the public has strengthened their family during the past five weeks.

“There are so many people to thank,” said Jensen’s wife, Sue. “Those who have brought in meals, sent cards, given blood and written letters. We’ll never be able to thank you all personally, but please know that we are saying thank you to each of you today.”

Two huge poster boards signed by hundreds of sympathetic people at the Glendale Galleria served as a backdrop while members of his family, including his two sons and a daughter-in-law, spoke to reporters.

Although the firefighter was unable to attend, Jensen’s wife said her husband sent a personal word of thanks.

“Bill may not know exactly the magnitude of support he has received,” his wife said, “but I can tell you that he has felt the positive vibes and that it has helped.”

The burn center’s medical director, Dr. A. Richard Grossman, estimated that Jensen will be hospitalized for up to eight more weeks, meaning that in addition to missing Thanksgiving at home, he also will not be there for Christmas. But his family plans to bring a traditional Thanksgiving meal to his hospital room today.

Jensen is able to sit up and talk with his family, who have set up living arrangements in a trailer just outside the hospital. He remains in the intensive care unit, but next week, if all goes as expected, he will be moved to a two-bedroom facility where his family can be closer to him, Grossman said.

The firefighter suffered second-and third-degree burns to more than 70% of his body while battling flames near homes in Corral Canyon during the Oct. 22 Calabasas-Malibu fire. Three other firefighters injured in the blaze have been released from the hospital.