ASTONISHING NONAGENARIAN HONORED FOR 80 YEARS Of service
And Still Going...
Kenneth H. Mallen is a local legend, for good reason.
The 98-year-old served in Maritime Southeast Asia as a 20-year-old. And, though he described that experience as "hellish" – recalling that in countries like the Philippines and Papua New Guinea they were shot at by Japanese troops the second they landed ("They were always there waiting for us.") – he notes the imperative that sent him overseas was clearly "what we needed to do to support our country."
These days, Kenny – who's served as a local firefighter for 80 years and counting! – keeps busy with a daily surveillance of the Beekman fire house, as anyone who works there will tell you.
"I've been a member for 32 years," said Beekman Fire Chief Greg Rayburn, "and he's down here every day, checking every door, making sure we're alright, making sure the members are good, making sure we have everything we need to do our job. A couple of months ago, he was changing the carburetor on the antique truck."
"He's here all the time," verified Assistant Chief Rob Mallen. "He does his walk through the firehouse, he has a conversation with our secretary. At 98-years-old!"
Not only that, he's still driving the (admittedly short) distance from his house as well!
At a recent Beekman fire house event, Kenny was honored by local dignitaries and fire commissioners for a lifetime of devotion to his country and community.
"I love all of you," he said to the crowd in attendance, explaining what it means to him to serve his neighbors and friends. "I appreciate what people have thought of me after a job that I have done."
And I'm guessing there will be still more well deserved accolades when he hits the century mark in less than two years.
Fight on, Firefighter Mallen!
Kenny Mallen honored at Arlington High School, above; in his army uniform overseas during WWII.
