DC fire crews help retired firefighter celebrate his 104th birthday

WASHINGTON — DC Fire and EMS crews helped one of their own celebrate a major milestone. Harry Kelly is the fire department’s most senior retired firefighter and he just turned 104 years old.

His department brotherhood helped Kelly celebrate with balloons, signs and fire engines in his Northwest D.C. neighborhood. The fire department tweeted a video of the celebration on Thursday night.

Kelly was a firefighter in the District from 1948 to 1971. Before that he served in World War II. A life well lived as a dedicated public servant.

Kelly said he feels good at 104 years old, and even had the chance to get back behind the wheel of a firetruck during the birthday festivities.

Neighbor Don Lucas said Mr. Kelly still shovels snow in the neighborhood and won’t accept help.

“Every time I try to help he shoos me away. He would rather do the snow. I can’t even get my 15-year-old son to do the snow,” Lucas said.

DC Fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelley Sr. was also on hand for the celebration.

“It’s an honor to meet him and he is a legend in this city,” he said.

If you have something you’d like to share, email us at GetUplifted@wusa9.com or contact Allison Seymour on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Related Posts

I Left for a Week — Came Home to Find My Kids Banished from Their Room by My Husband

After a week-long work trip, I came home late at night, expecting hugs from my boys—but instead, I found them sleeping on the cold hallway floor, dirty…

Only People With ‘Sniper Vision’ Can Spot The Hidden Snake In This Image

Viewers have spent several minutes, even longer, staring at the image, convinced there’s nothing there. That’s what makes optical illusions like this one so effective—they test the…

They Tried to Ruin My Flight—So I Brought Them Back to Earth

Have you ever had awful seatmates? Let me tell you about the newlyweds who turned my 14-hour flight into a total nightmare. They acted like the plane…

I Was Upset That My Grandfather Only Left Me an Old Apiary until I Looked into the…

My Grandpa’s Last Gift My late Grandpa, known for his wild stories about hidden treasure, left me a dusty old apiary. I thought it was a cruel…

His Mom Made Him Sell the Car He Inherited—Years Later, He Buys It Back and Uncovers a Shocking Family Secret

At 17, I experienced one of the most painful moments of my life: the loss of my grandpa. That day is still etched in my memory. I…

What amount counts as a generous tip at hair salons?

Tipping plays a crucial role in the service industry, especially in hair salons. It’s more than a gesture of appreciation—it helps supplement stylists’ often low wages and…