Honorees

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Year Honored
2001
Honoree
Donald J Felker
Agency
Collingdale Fire Company No 1
Agency City
Collingdale
Agency State
PA
Last Call
4/16/78
Cause of Death
Other Medical
Biography
"I can't recall any particular 'heroic' deeds performed by Felker, but choose to re-define the term 'hero'. He was more than a hero that did something outstanding once," said a friend. "He did an outstanding job all the time."<br /> <br /> On April 16, 1978 Don Felker responded to an EMS call. After loading the patient into the ambulance, he sat in the front passenger seat and immediately collapsed in cardiac arrest. The remaining crew initiated CPR as he was transported to the nearest hospital. After all attempts to revive Mr. Felker failed, it was determined that he died of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.<br /> <br /> Don, 37, had served with the Collingdale Fire Company Number One for twenty years. He had held many offices, including First Lieutenant, which he was serving at the time of his death. Mr. Felker was active in both firefighting and EMS activities, running many calls and never missed a crew night or meeting.<br /> <br /> Felker maintained this schedule along with raising ten children. He never stopped, and enjoyed every minute of his life. He was loved and respected by all who came in contact with him. Today five of his six sons are active with the same company and have held several offices. From the years 1999 to 2000 his son Eric was Chief and son Ken is Assistant Chief of the Collingdale Fire Company.<br /> <br /> Donald J. Felker is survived by his wife Patricia; daughters Catherine Hanly, Patricia Felker, Gretchen Finley, Theresa Bozman; sons Donald, Timothy, Paul, Kenneth, Eric, and David; a sister Geri Brennan and a brother Robert Felker.<br /> <br /> Honored 2001