SAXTON, BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — After over seven decades of service, Bill Kelly leaves behind a legacy of honor, integrity, and dedication.
“This is…one of the saddest days in our history,” Saxton Volunteer Fire Company Chief, Mark Taylor, said.
Kelly passed away last week at 92 years old. He remained an active member of the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company for 73 of those years.
“Not only did Saxton Volunteer Fire Company lose a legend, but so did the area,” Branden Diehl, Public Information Officer for the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company, said.
At just 19 years old, Kelly joined the fire company. In 2018, he received recognition as the oldest serving EMS provider in the Southern Alleghenies region.
“I don’t know how we could ever replace what he’s done for us,” Taylor said.
Those that knew him said he had a fiery spirit that kept everybody on their toes.
“If you were on the other end of that nozzle and he was pumping the engine, you better hold on,” Don Fields, President of Saxton Volunteer Fire Company, said.
And as he was taken to his final resting place, his last dispatch rang clear: “Firefighter Kelly has completed his tour of duty in this life. Job well done. Be safe until we meet again. Bedford County clear at 1335.”