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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 10, 2015 11:50 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tina M. Davis and Rep. John T. Galloway, Rep. Frank A. Farry |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Resolution Honoring Firefighter John Doster |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a resolution that honors the life and service of America’s longest serving volunteer firefighter, John Doster. On April 2, 2015, 95 year old John Doster tragically passed away at St. Mary’s Medical Center where he was taken after responding to a two alarm fire on February 25, 2015, in Hulmeville Borough, Bucks County. Despite his advanced age, Mr. Doster continued to respond to 90 percent of the calls his department received while he was on duty, and most recently volunteered as an active member of the fire police. At the time of his passing, Mr. Doster had dedicated 81 years of his life to firefighting, and was recognized as the longest serving volunteer firefighter in the United States. Born in 1919, Mr. Doster began his firefighting career at the age of 14 with the Edgely Fire Company #1 in Bristol Township, Bucks County, where he has been a member ever since. After serving with the U.S. Army during World War II, for which he received the Purple Heart along with numerous other awards for merit, Mr. Doster returned to aid his community as a volunteer firefighter. Since that time, Mr. Doster served Edgely Fire Company #1 as a Captain, Foreman, and Trustee; as well as 25 years as the company’s Fire Chief where he worked diligently to bring technical improvements to his station. He also served as the Bristol Township Deputy Fire Marshal, Bristol Township Fire Marshal, Bucks County Deputy Fire Marshal, and Liaison to the Bristol Traffic Advisory Council. A decorated volunteer, Mr. Doster was the recipient of numerous firefighting awards such as the 1972 Bucks County Fireman of the Year Award for rescuing a three year old boy from a burning building, the Bucks County Fire Chiefs’ Association Heroism Award in 1977 for rescuing two people from a burning apartment building, and the 2008 National Volunteer Fire Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award. An inspiration to firefighters everywhere, Mr. Doster was a founder of the Bucks County Fire School, where he acted as an instructor for 15 years sharing his wealth of experience and knowledge with the next generation of firefighters. He also worked to better protect Bucks County’s residents by helping to form the Interstate Marine Association, where he served as chief, for the purpose of responding to water rescues in the area. Please join me in honoring the life and service of John Doster, as well as extending our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. |