Newly Promoted Battalion Chief Continues Family's 129 Year Legacy At Phila. Fire Department
By Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When Chief John Meskill took the oath to become a Philadelphia firefighter back in 1886, he most likely never imagined that for the next 129 years one or more members of his family, continuously, would serve as members of the department.
Friday, the latest family member to become a Chief, Mike Meskill was sworn in at the Philadelphia Fire Academy.
Looking on, Mike's dad Jim, a retired Deputy Chief.
In addition to his father, and great-grandfather, Mike's granddad, and two uncles also were firefighters, five including Mike, reached the rank of chief.
"It's the tradition, the love, the caring, everybody cares about the job," Chief Meskill explained.
"I can't remember a day," his dad added, "when I didn't look forward to going to the firehouse."
But mixed with the joyful moments like the promotion ceremony, were times of pain and sacrifice. Retired Chief Jim Meskill was battling flames inside a building at 2nd and Diamond Streets in 1961 when it suddenly blew up. He was critically injured, buried in rubble, but survived and was soon back doing the job he loved.
Mike also had an uncle killed in the in the line of duty in 1953.
Chief Meskill says he will wear his new chief's badge proudly, and, even more proudly, remember the generations of his own family who inspired him.
Looking at his dad, he added, "he always pointed me in the right direction, I just took his lead and went with it."
And the chief, who is raising three children with his wife, predicted you might well see another member of the family serving at your local firehouse in the future.
"Hopefully in the future," the Chief concluded, "that could definitely happen."
