Don Smith, Right, receiving a service award from State Senator Steve Santaserio at the 2019 Old Timers Night.
It is with sadness that the fire company announce the passing of life member Don Smith on Nov. 24, 2019. Don, who was a member of the fire company for over 65 years, was honored for his service at this year’s Old Timers Night. While working for Young and Bowman for many years, Don responded often to daytime calls and was a regular helper at Turkey Dinners and Pancake Breakfasts along with his wife Nancy.
At Old Timers Night on June 7, 2017, past and present Chiefs (left to right) Doug Tilley, Jim Shepard, Sam Cramer, Sr., Steve Walther and Sam Cramer, Jr.
It is with profound sadness that the fire company must announce the passing of past chief Sam Cramer, Sr. Sam Sr., as he was known to generations of Bucks County firefighters, father of present Chief Sam Cramer, Jr., was forever an optimist, quick with a smile and ready to help anyone in need. In the past few weeks, he took a ride on the Chicken, the fire company’s 1968 Hahn, which was his favorite truck, one of many that he was responsible for bringing to the fleet as the Chair of many truck committees. He was also at last week’s annual Old Timers Night. He fought hard and will be dearly missed by all.
Services are pending and will be posted.
Sam Cramer, Sr., center, with son Chief Same Cramer, Jr., rear, and past chief Doug Tilley, left.
It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that the fire company yet again must bid farewell to a member. Life member Mark Hamilton, known to many fondly as Beach, passed away on September 27, 2016, after a long and hard fought battle with serious respiratory illnesses. Mark joined the company on June 8, 1977, and served as Firefighter, Lieutenant, 2nd Vice President, Fire Police officer, Relief Treasurer and Director, and most recently, Historian. Mark was a dedicated husband and father. Always ready to talk history, either local Doylestown or fire company, he took great care and pride in being a keeper of the heritage and history of the area. His encyclopedic knowledge and the enthusiasm he delivered it with, even as his condition made it more difficult to deliver, will be sorely missed by not only the fire company and family, but the Doylestown area. Mark was also the force behind the Facebook #fbf every Friday for the past few years. Those shoes will be hard to fill, but we’ll do our best to continue what he started and loved.
Arrangements are pending
Breathe easy now Mark. You’re part of our history now, and will never be forgotten.
On September 9, 2016, the members of the fire company, along with the family and friends of life member Ron Bellerby, gathered to remember the life of Ron and say “All right, see you later.” Ron was a dedicated father, husband, grandfather, uncle and firefighter. His ability to make friends and tell stories made him a unique and wonderful person to know. His absence is palpable, but we all know he’s happier now that he’s back with Sarah and no longer in pain. We’ll miss you Ron.
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of life member Ronald Bellerby. Ron passed away on Sept. 2, 2016, after a long fight with cancer. He was passionate about the fire company and all of the members. Always quick with a story and smile, his presence will be deeply missed by the members and families. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family in these difficult times.
Services will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016, at the Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home on Lower State Road in Doylestown Township starting at 9:30 AM, followed by internment at Doylestown Cemetery.
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the officers and members of Doylestown Fire Company No. 1 announce the passing of past President and Assistant Chief Oliver A. Groman, Sr. Ollie was an active member for over 60 years. He will be sorely missed.
Arrangements are as follow-
Reed and Steinbach funeral home
Viewing:
January 3 – 1800-2100 (6:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Services @ funeral services:
January 4 – 1000 – 1100 (10:00 am – 11:00am)
Interment to follow @ Doylestown Cemetery.
Rest easy Ollie, we’ll take if from here.
Ollie Groman, Sr., receiving his 60 years of service jacket in 2012.
Ollie Groman, Sr., and wife Marti at Old Timers Day.
Drew McPherson with the late William Neis, Mayor of Doylestown Borough, and Denny Loux, Jr., Chief, at the January 2005, on being sworn in as president of the fire company.
Fire police captain and past president Drew McPherson will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 17, 2015. Services will be held at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home starting at 9 A.M., with interment after at the Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville.
Drew was an active member of the fire company since joining in early 2002. He served as a trustee, president, and fire police captain. He was the president of the Bucks County Fire Police Association. He also served on the Doylestown Township Zoning Hearing Board. He is survived by his wife, Darla, his son Glenn, daughter Holly, and grandaughter Aubrey Devon-Elizabeth.
The members of the fire company will miss Drew and his smile. He always had a positive outlook and a good word. Thanks for your service Drew, we’ll take it from here.
George served as both a police officer and firefighter for over forty years in the Bucks County area.
When:
Saturday, October 6 at 9 am
Where:
The race will start on State Street between Pine St and Broad St
Why:
The proceeds from this event will benefit Doylestown Fire Company and Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company, the two fire companies George volunteered with for over three decades.
How:
Pre-registration is available online at Active.com for $25 for the 5k and $10 for the 1 mile Fun Run / Walk. Race day registration will be available.
Johnny receiving an award at the 2011 banquet from president Bill Cope and Chief Denny Loux, Jr.
Johnny Carwithen, and associate member since 2005 and honorary member for many years before that, passed away at the age of 60 on Weds., April 4, 2012. John was an integral part of the fire company, his hard work and dedication to the organization were admired and recognized by the members of the company and the Doylestown community.
John will be dearly missed. The thoughts and prayers of his fire company family go out to Johnny’s family.
God speed brother.
Great job, thanks Johnny!
Johnny at the 2006 banquet.
Johnny receiving an award at the 2008 banquet from president Bill Cope and Chief Denny Loux, Jr.
Johnny receiving an award at the 2011 banquet from president Bill Cope and Chief Denny Loux, Jr.
Johnny receiving his 5 year service pin at the 2010 banquet.
Johnny (2nd from left) on a Buckingham Township fireground.
Johnny (right with hat) on a Buckingham Township fireground.
Johnny and then Fox29 traffic reporter Jamie Shupak when the fire company was featured on Firehouse Friday.
Johnny Carwithen
Johnny as a leprechaun at the 2007 Pancake Day that was on St. Patrick’s Day.
Johnny with Santa at the fire company’s family breakfast on 2005.
Johnny helping decorate the Borough Christmas tree in 2008.