Daveler served as fire chief from January 1967 to January 2011
The community is mourning the passing of a Lansdale icon who wore many hats in his lifetime – Lansdale Fire Marshal, former Fairmount Fire Co. Chief, stalwart first responder, well-respected mentor, reputable business owner, and inaugural Lansdale Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Jay Daveler passed away on Thursday, leaving behind a legacy at Fairmount Fire Co. He joined the fire company in February 1957 and was first elected chief in January 1967, first serving as 4th Assistant Chief and 2nd Assistant Chief. He retired from the position in January 2011 after 43 years.
“It is with great sadness that the Fairmount Fire Company announces the passing of Honorary Member and Past Chief Jay Daveler,” wrote Fairmount Fire Co. on its Facebook. “During his tenure, Chief Daveler oversaw the modernization of the Fairmount Fire Company, including the construction of our current fire station at 100 Vine Street across from the Lansdale Library.”
Daveler was instrumental in development of the Fifth Fire District fire training school, a fire prevention program, and improved radio communications.
“Jay also contributed to the fire service on a national level being published by Fire Chief Magazine in 1974 & 1976 for articles he wrote on the importance of ‘Pre-fire planning’, and the importance of ‘protection of exposures’ when fighting fires,” wrote Fairmount. “Chief Daveler’s presence in the fire company and community will be greatly missed.”
(Credit: Fairmount Fire Co.)
(Credit: Fairmount Fire Co.)Discover Lansdale President Bill Henning said Daveler, owner of Nostalgic Collectibles on West Main Street and Davro on Cannon Avenue, was the most influential person in his life, outside of his own family.
“I got to know him when I was with the Fairmount Fire Company, obvious as he was Chief, but I had the pleasure of being friends with him outside of that. He taught me how to fly a radio control airplane, we’d fly model rockets together and spend way too much time together building radio control cars or working on the model trains in his basement or at our shop. He loved his trains,” Henning said. “We used to enjoy going to Zern’s Farmers Market together looking for old radios for his collection, though he would always send me into one particular dealer by myself because the guy knew who Jay was and didn’t want to give in to his tough bargaining.”
Henning said he and Daveler would talk for hours.
“He taught me so much about just being a good person, about doing the right thing, being productive and being humble, not asking for praise. Just doing things for the right reason,” Henning said. “Thank you Jay, I miss you. But, I credit you a lot with who I am today.”
(Credit: Fairmount Fire Co.)
(Credit: Fairmount Fire Co.)Councilwoman Carrie Oglesby wrote on Facebook that the borough lost a legend.
“Jay Daveler knew almost everyone in town and spent his life dedicated to everything Lansdale. I was lucky enough to know him outside of my role on Borough Council. He was good friends with my grandfather who owned Renninger Appliances and assisted my family cleaning out all of his old electronics,” Oglesby said. “I also lived next door to him for seven years. He was a great man and will always be remembered for all that he did for Lansdale and our residents.”
Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert wrote that Lansdale lost one of our its most fierce and passionate servants.
“Jay was, for many years, our fire chief, fire marshal, and emergency manager. He fulfilled all of these roles with love, passion, and kindness,” Herbert wrote. “He always stepped up when our community called upon him, especially if/when we needed his steadfast leadership and forthright guidance. Lansdale is a better place to live, work, and play thanks to Jay’s contribution and he will be greatly missed by all.”
(Credit: Fairmount Fire Co.)Councilman BJ Breish wrote on Facebook that he was at a loss for words in describing the profound loss of an exceptional mentor and leader.
“Chief Jay Daveler's impact on me, and Lansdale, is immeasurable. He has helped shape who I am and who I will continue to be,” Breish wrote. “Rest easy, we'll take it from here. I am otherwise speechless, but forever grateful.”
Lansdale Police Department announced its officers were mourning with heavy hearts.
“Chief Daveler devoted more than 50 years to the Lansdale community, serving with distinction and leaving a lasting legacy in fire service, training, and public safety—both locally and nationally,” wrote Lansdale Police on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and our brothers and sisters at Fairmount Fire Company.”
(Credit: Fairmount Fire Co.)Community members and colleagues posted in various Facebook groups on the devastating loss of Daveler.
“The man was a legend in his own time – one of the greats who helped to develop and educate all of departments and members of those departments in the North Penn Area as well as Montgomery County – he will be sitting at the table having discussions with the other legends of the region who were waiting for him to join them,” wrote Bob Rau.
“Outstanding and influential leader. I had great respect for him,” wrote Tom Sullivan.
Lori Dudley wrote that Daveler was a great guy, and Dianne Goetter wrote that her mother worked for Daveler for 35 years at Davro.
“A true iconic Lansdale legend,” wrote resident John Williams. “Had the pleasure to learn from him in my time at Station 14.”
Betty Megan wrote that she knew him by his alias – God.
“He did so much for the community,” she wrote.
Grace Anna wrote that Daveler was a longtime friend since she was a youth.
“Jay was a legend to Lansdale and will echo years to come,” she wrote.
Bronwyn Gray wrote that Daveler was a “kindhearted man” who had the cooelst antiques at Nostalgic Collectibles.
“My dad Bill Gray and I would meet with him for breakfast some mornings or visit him at his antique shop,” she wrote. “I called him Uncle Jay and it was an honor to have known him.”
(Credit: Bronwyn Gray)Back in 2012, during an honorary dinner for Daveler in the wake of his retirement at the Indian Valley Country Club, family members, friends, emergency personnel and local community members attended to show their respect and exemplify the influence Daveler has had within Lansdale and the surrounding communities.
“There are only two words I can say to him and that is ‘thank you,'” said then-Fairmount Assistant Fire Chief Roger Pancoast. “He has given his life to the fire house.”
Daveler, an avid fisherman and boater, was consistently mentioned throughout that evening as a great motivator, educator and friend.
“If he said [he] figured out how to put out the fires of hell, I’d follow him,” Pancoast said.
“Everything he has been given he has worked for,” said friend and former Lansdale Police Sgt. Walter Drusedum.
Daveler expressed his thanks for all his colleagues and friends.
“I am thankful for everyone who took the time to join me this evening,” Daveler said. “Each and every one of them has made this a very special night for me.”
Viewing and funeral information was unavailable as of Monday morning. The article will be updated with details once released by the funeral home.
