For 48 years Al Risell has made never-ending contributions to the Skippack Fire Company. Since exactly Monday, May 11th, 1970. Late last year in a celebration with family and friends, Al retired from driving fire trucks for the fire company. That does not mean you will not see Al on a fire or emergency scene, around the firehouse, or at a community event...you will. 48 years and Al's influence and leadership rule on.

Al served our country in the United States Army and started his fire service volunteer work with the George Clay Fire Company in West Conshohocken. It did not take Al long to settle into leadership roles within the Skippack Fire Company. He has served as:

-Deputy Chief 1975-1977
-Chief of the Fire Company 1979-1985
-President 1987-2008

Al's 22 years as President is a record that still stands today and probably will never be passed. He currently sits fourth all-time for emergency calls answered with the fire company responding 4,415 times. He has received every major award given out by our fire company including:

-1985 Meritorious Service
-1995 Engineer's Award
-1999 Chief's Award
-2016 President's Award

Al is a third-generation firefighter, his son fourth-generation and his grandchildren are now fifth-generation emergency responders. His late wife Betty was also very active in both the Skippack Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and the Skippack Emergency Medical Services. Al was instrumental in the formation of Skippack Emergency Medical Services.

Al has been an inspiration to all of us, he has led his life devoted to public service, putting others first, and doing the right thing along the way. We are very fortunate to have him as a role model and life member of the Skippack Fire Company. His legacy will forever be forged in our fire company, as he continues to serve and when he leaves us behind. The true measure of his success has to do with his leaving behind a piece of himself in each of us that will serve us well as long as we are known as the Skippack Fire Company. He has and continues to give us those pieces and we continue to be inspired. Thank you, Al!

Al was presented with a commemorative fire bell at his event last year as a small token of our appreciation for his service, talents, and sacrifices to the Skippack Fire Company and our community.