To celebrate Father’s Day, we want to highlight volunteer Mort Levy and his son, our Fire Chief, Brian Levy.
“My dad and my two uncles were volunteer firefighters since before I was born,” said Brian. “From an early age, I asked my dad to take me to the fire house as much as possible. I fell in love with all of it.”
Mort admits that at first he was hesitant to let his son volunteer as a firefighter.
“I didn’t want volunteering to take his time away from studies or family time,” said Mort.
Because Brian was under 18 when he applied to volunteer, his mother signed the application. Mort’s sentiment soon changed.
“It’s been so rewarding to see him advance from junior firefighter to active firefighter and now Chief,” said Mort.
Volunteering is something that brought the father and son together over the years.
“Brian was always an aggressive interior firefighter and learned from the bottom up which makes him a great mentor,” said Mort. “His management skills that he learned in the workplace make him a great leader.”
Brian’s inspiration comes straight from his dad. “I don’t know anyone who is more dedicated than my father,” said Brian.
Mort is no longer able to drive the apparatus, but he still helps the drivers with truck design and hydraulics. He was even out at the recent SPS fire, assisting with pumping volumes of water.
Brian has been the chief for the past 10 years.
“It taught me a lot of responsibility and leadership skills,” said Brian. “But the best part is watching the crew learn and grow.”
Regardless of blood, they both agree Elkins Park Fire Company feels like a second family. Finding a second family is one of the many benefits of volunteering. Learn more about volunteering or fill out a contact form on our website.
