Together, a pair of dedicated volunteers from Levittown Fire Co. No. 1 have 112 years of tireless and dedicated service.
During Monday’s Falls Supervisors meeting, the governing body and fire officials recognized Martin “Marty” Gallagher and Gertrude “Gertie” Delano.
Gallagher – who was being honored for 50 years of active service – corrected Fire Marshal Rich Dippolito and said he’s actually been serving the fire company for 52 years. A fire police captain, Gallagher has served as trustee, as well as other positions throughout the years.
Delano, who has been serving for 60 years, is a founding member of the auxiliary, a fundraising arm of the fire department.
“That’s a long time to spend in a volunteer organization,” Dippolito said of Gallagher’s time, joking that Delano has served for “110 years and is only 49.”
Levittown Fire Co. No. 1 President Don Krier holds both of the long-time volunteers in the highest regard.
“He can always be relied on,” Krier said of Gallagher. “Whenever something needs to be done, he’s the one to call.”
Delano, the auxiliary’s past president, got involved with the fire department when her late husband was volunteering, Krier said.
“She has a knack for arts and crafts,” Krier said, noting her handiwork with the fire company’s annual basket raffle. “She puts together all our baskets. She has a group of helpers. Every year we have over 200 baskets.”
PHOTO CAPTION (Gertrude Delano with women’s auxiliary)
Gertrude Delano (front, second from left), is congratulated for 60 years of service to Levittown Fire Co. No. 1 by fellow auxiliary members (front) and Falls Township Board of Supervisors (back, from left) Jeff Boraski, Jeff Dence, Erin Mullen and John Palmer.
PHOTO CAPTION (Martin Gallagher with Levittown 1)
Martin Gallagher (front, center in maroon shirt) is congratulated for 52 years of active service by members of Levittown Fire Co. No. 1 and (back, from left) Falls Township Board of Supervisors Jeff Boraski, Jeff Dence, Erin Mullen and John Palmer.
