Photo by James Short.
The Fairmount Fire Company, community members, and many area first responders came together on Friday morning to mourn the loss and honor the life and legacy of a true local legend, former Fairmount Fire Chief Jay Daveler.
Daveler spent a lifetime serving the residents of the borough in a variety of ways.
As the fire chief of the Fairmount Fire Company from 1967 to 2011, he has left behind a legacy of selfless dedication and wonderful memories. He began his volunteer service by joining the fire company in February 1957, 10 years later becoming Fairmount chief.
During his time, he was credited with not only modernizing the company, but also overseeing the construction of its current fire station.
In addition to his many fire department roles, he also served as borough Fire Marshal, as a local mentor, as an area business owner with Nostalgic Collectibles on Main Street and Davro on Cannon Avenue, and was the first recipient of the annual Lansdale Lifetime Achievement Award.
Daveler passed away on Friday, April 18, having touched many local lives. He worked tirelessly to create safer fire training, fire prevention programs, and improved radio communications throughout the area. He was close friends with Discover Lansdale President Bill Henning, who said they used to talk for hours.
Henning said Daveler taught him the importance of “being a good person, about doing the right thing, being productive and being humble, not asking for praise.”
Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert described Daveler as a man serving his community with “love, passion, and kindness.”
Departing the Huff and Lakjer Funeral Home on Derstine Avenue shortly after 11:15 a.m., the procession passed the Vine Street fire station – the house that Jay built.
There, out front on display, were Daveler’s gear and firefighting tools below a massive American flag held aloft by two of Fairmount’s ladder trucks. Fairmount fire personnel saluted Daveler’s casket, carried by one of Fairmount’s vintage fire trucks.
From there, the procession made its way to Keller’s Church Cemetery in Perkasie where Daveler was laid to eternal rest.
“I started 31 years ago under him in Lansdale,” said Upper Gwynedd Fire Chief Eric Geiger. “He was an infamous person here, along the East Coast, maybe even the country, in fire investigations. His tactics as chief were renowned when he was here.”
Former Colmar Fire Co. Chief Jim Swartley remembered his good friend as someone who will be really missed.
“He loved firefighting, and the department,” Swartley said.
And his lasting legacy in Lansdale and beyond?
Swartley pointed at the Fairmount Fire Co. building with open arms and said, “You can see it.”
Our thoughts are with the Daveler family, and we at North Penn Now hope this Lansdale legend can now rest in peace.
We thank you for all of your dedicated work in our community.
