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.
Related Posts
They Drank 12 Liters of Coke and Ate Two Loaves a Day—Then Lost 40 Stone for Their Son’s Future
When Dawid and Rose-Mari Lombard took their vows to stay together ‘until death do us part’, they likely never imagined they were eating their way to an…
Connecticut Contestant Captures $1 Million on Wheel of Fortune
A thrilling moment lit up Tuesday night’s episode of Wheel of Fortune when Connecticut’s Christina Derevjanik achieved one of the show’s most extraordinary milestones: a $1 million victory. Reaching…
Why Hotels Place a Fabric Strip Across the Bed
After a long day of travel, stepping into a neatly prepared hotel room feels like a small luxury. As you set down your suitcase, you may notice…
It’s a rare sighting
Skywatchers have a rare reason to look up this weekend. A striking celestial display will place six planets along the same stretch of sky in what astronomers…
You’re kidding me
Most drivers recognize the standard markings on gear selectors. Manual cars show numbered gears and “R” for reverse, while automatics display “P,” “N,” “D,” and “R,” sometimes…
An American Airlines passenger’s $250,000 lifetime first-class pass was canceled after he racked up $21 million in flights, far exceeding expectations.
In 1981, American Airlines introduced the AAirPass, a lifetime first-class travel card. For a large one-time payment, buyers received unlimited first-class flights with no blackout dates or…