Hundreds traveled through the rain Friday morning to say their final farewells and pay their respects to a Bristol Township legend.
John Doster, who was born in Fallsington, but lived the rest of his life in Bristol Township, was honored Thursday night and Friday morning with a viewing, memorial service and burial attended by hundreds. Doster, who began volunteering for the Edgely Fire Company or ‘Ten House’ back in 1934, passed away on April 2 at the age of 95.
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Not only is he recognized as the longest active serving firefighter in the state, but in the entire nation, according to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
Doster was recognized fondly by past chiefs of Edgely, Senator Tommy Tomlinson and State Representatives Frank Farry, John Galloway and Tina Davis. Bristol Township Fire Marshal Kevin Dippolito helped organize the services.
Dippolito who said he was asked by members of Ten House and the family to lead the services said he felt “honored” to do so.
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Doster was memorialized as a humble and strong man by all who spoke of him.
“John is the greatest example when you think of what makes this country great,” State Senator Tommy Tomlinson said. “That is John’s volunteer service – he has set the standard very high for all of us to follow.”
Doster, who served as the county’s first instructor at the Bucks County Fire School, was remembered by Galloway for his 82 years of service. “He joined in 1934 and served under 13 presidential terms,” he said. “John spent his whole life proving getting older does not mean you’re getting old.”
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Doster’s death was classified as a “line of duty ” brought on by exhaustion and stress. His last assignment, according to fire officials, was working a two-alarm blaze that ripped through a business facility in Hulmeville in late February. Shortly after, he fell ill and passed away last week.
See Photos From The Funeral & Procession
At a viewing Thursday evening, firefighters and area residents stopped by to thank Doster’s family and the emergency service community for their efforts. The lifelong volunteer spent 82 years of active service with Edgely Fire Company, only taking a few years off to fight in World War II, where he earned a Purple Heart, Silver Star and other honors.
Following Doster’s memorial service, his coffin was carried outside and placed on the back of a vintage firetruck.
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From Edgely to Doster’s final resting place in Lower Southampton, dozens of police, fire and EMS vehicles. The procession stopped traffic as it passed under large American flags hanging over the roadways and past people observing the large show of support.
“That’s really a site to see,” said an elderly man standing along Bustleton Pike in Lower Southampton. “People must have really loved him.”
The following was printed on Doster’s memorial card:
Fireman’s Prayer:
“When I am called to duty, God wherever flames may range
Give me strength to save some life, whatever be it’s age.
Help me embrace a little child, before it is too late,
Or save an older person, from the horror of that fate.
Enable me to be alert, and hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and effectively to put the fire out.
I want to fill my calling, and to give the best in me,
To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
And according to your will, if I have to lose my life,
Please bless with your protecting hand, my children and my wife.”
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