October 15, 2026

Chris Sorensen, a retired Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department engineer and emergency medical technician (EMT) and co-founder of Firehouse Subs, is being remembered for his dedication to public safety, entrepreneurial vision, and contributions to the firefighting community.

Throughout his career, Chris served as a firefighter and EMT before helping establish a restaurant brand inspired by the firefighting profession. Alongside his brother, Robin Sorensen, he helped build a business that brought the values of service, teamwork, and community support into the restaurant industry.

Tributes described in the supplied account honour Chris for his years of service and the legacy associated with his work. He is survived by his wife, Kirsten, his children, grandchildren, and the wider Sorensen family.

Chris Sorensen’s Fire Service Career

Chris began his firefighting career with the Brevard County Fire Department, where he served for four years before joining Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department (JFRD).

He spent approximately ten years with JFRD, completing training at the Stockton Street station before being assigned to Station 1, C Shift. During his service, he worked as an engineer on Engine 1 and later Ladder 1.

According to the information provided, Chris remained with the department until his departure in December 1998. His work as an engineer and EMT placed him among the emergency responders responsible for protecting communities and assisting people during emergencies.

His family also had strong ties to the fire service. His father, retired JFRD Captain Robert “Captain Video” Sorensen, served the department for 43 years. His brother, Robin, was a former Jacksonville International Airport firefighter.

These family connections helped shape a shared tradition of public service that later became an important part of the Sorensen brothers’ business identity.

Chris and Robin Sorensen Co-Founded Firehouse Subs

In 1994, Chris and his brother, Robin Sorensen, co-founded Firehouse Subs. Drawing inspiration from their firefighting backgrounds, the brothers developed a restaurant concept rooted in their professional experiences and connection to the fire service.

What began as a business inspired by their careers grew into a nationally recognised restaurant brand. Firehouse Subs became associated with the brothers’ firefighter heritage, carrying that identity into its restaurants and community relationships.

Chris’s role in founding the company represents a significant part of his legacy beyond emergency services. His story connects direct public service as a firefighter and EMT with entrepreneurship and the development of a business that continued to celebrate first responders.

The brothers’ work also helped establish a lasting connection between the restaurant brand and public safety initiatives.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

In 2005, Chris and Robin established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to support first responders and public safety organisations.

According to the tribute provided, the foundation has awarded more than $110 million in grants. Its work supports emergency services and organisations involved in protecting communities.

The foundation stands as an important part of the Sorensen brothers’ legacy, extending their commitment to public safety beyond their own careers in firefighting.

Through this initiative, their connection to the fire service continued through support for emergency responders and the communities they serve. The foundation’s mission reflects the values that inspired Firehouse Subs: service, generosity, and assistance for those who put themselves at risk to help others.

Chris Sorensen’s Family and Personal Legacy

Chris belonged to a family with deep roots in firefighting and public service. His father, Robert Sorensen, spent more than four decades with Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department, while his brother, Robin, shared both his firefighting background and his entrepreneurial journey.

Chris is survived by his wife, Kirsten; his children; his grandchildren; and members of the extended Sorensen family.

Those remembering him have extended condolences to his loved ones and to the colleagues who served alongside him throughout his career.

His legacy encompasses several chapters: his years as a firefighter and EMT, his work as an engineer with Jacksonville Fire Rescue, his role in founding Firehouse Subs, and his involvement in establishing a foundation dedicated to supporting first responders.

Together, these contributions form a story connected to both the firefighting community and the broader business world.

Chris Sorensen Cause of Death: What Is Known?

The information provided about Chris Sorensen’s reported passing does not specify his cause of death. No particular illness, medical condition, or circumstances surrounding his death were included in the supplied tribute.

Until further details are confirmed by his family or an official announcement, it would be inappropriate to speculate about the cause.

The account instead focuses on his years of public service, his contributions to Firehouse Subs, and his lasting connection to the public safety community.

Remembering Chris Sorensen’s Contributions

Chris Sorensen’s life brought together public service, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to supporting first responders. His reported years with Brevard County Fire Department and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department reflected a dedication to emergency response, while his work with Firehouse Subs helped turn his firefighting background into a nationally recognised business.

The establishment of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation further extended that commitment, helping provide resources to emergency responders and public safety organisations.

For former colleagues, family members, and others who knew Chris, his memory is connected to the relationships he built and the work he helped accomplish. His contributions remain associated with the restaurant brand he co-founded and the foundation created to support those serving their communities.

Chris Sorensen will be remembered in the supplied tribute for his service as a firefighter and EMT, his role in building Firehouse Subs, and his connection to a family tradition of public service.

Heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Kirsten, his children and grandchildren, the Sorensen family, and everyone who worked with him or knew him.

Chris Sorensen Obituary: Key Details

  • Name: Chris Sorensen
  • Known for: Retired firefighter, engineer, EMT, and Firehouse Subs co-founder
  • Fire service: Brevard County Fire Department and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department
  • Business: Co-founded Firehouse Subs with his brother, Robin Sorensen, in 1994
  • Public safety initiative: Co-founded the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005
  • Family: Wife Kirsten, children, grandchildren, and extended Sorensen family
  • Cause of death: Not stated in the information provided

Disclaimer: This article is based on the information supplied. The reported death and career details have not been independently verified here. The cause of death remains unspecified in the available material.