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

Pennsylvania Mom Tragically Passes During Daughter’s Softball Event

Gendie Miller, 49, of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, died on July 23 after a falling tree branch struck her during her daughter’s softball camp at Renzie Park in McKeesport….

He Left Me and My Triplets—Then I Showed Up at His New Baby’s Party

Everyone stared at me like I didn’t belong. Perhaps they weren’t wrong. After all, I hadn’t been invited. But that didn’t stop me from stepping through the…

Every Monday, They Waited for the Garbage Truck—Until Everything Changed

Every Monday like clockwork, Jesse and Lila pressed their little faces to the front window, waiting for the garbage truck. It wasn’t about trash—they didn’t care what…

University Lecture: Janitor Ignored Until Dean Interrupts Speech to Shake His Hand

He moved through the aisles like he was invisible. Pushing a squeaky cart with a crooked wheel, the janitor mopped quietly as students trickled into the grand…

10+ Plot Twists So Wild, Even Soap Operas Would Blush

Story 1: After three years of crush-worthy silent hopes, he finally asked me out. The date was perfect—until he vanished to the bathroom and never came back….

Billy Joel Opens Up About His Past With Christie Brinkley in New HBO Documentary

In the newly aired second part of Billy Joel: And So It Goes (July 25, 2025), Billy Joel reflects on his relationship with supermodel Christie Brinkley. The…