The fire service community lost a legend when Samuel Seibert, a retired member of San Jose, CA, Local 230, died on Nov. 30.
He was 106.
Seibert was known for many things: his stories, his service and, especially, his dedication to funding and preserving the San Jose Fire Museum.
“Up until his passing, we believe he was the oldest surviving, retired fire fighter in the country,” Local 230 Vice President Jeff Fielding said. “And he was sharp as a tack all the way to the end. I remember, about three years ago, he came to my firehouse for dinner. He told us stories for hours, which was such an honor.”
Seibert, his friends remembered, was always driven to serve and help others. He joined the U.S. Navy and fought during World War II. Then, in 1946, he joined the San Jose Fire Department, where he served for 30 years before retiring as captain in 1976.
But he found his true passion with the San Jose Fire Museum.
In 1973, Seibert became part of the San Jose Fire Fighters Muster Team, a group of fire fighters interested in preserving the history of the department. The team then led the effort to turn the former Fire Station 1 into the museum.
Museum records show Seibert was the museum’s largest individual donor, contributing more than $300,000 over the years.
More than that, he tracked down and donated many items in the museum’s collection, including an 1810 Hand Pumper and his original uniform from the 1950s, which is now displayed on a mannequin.
“Captain Seibert was more than a fire fighter — he was a living piece of San Jose’s history, a mentor, a preservationist of our shared heritage, and a beloved member of our fire family,” the San Jose Fire Museum said on Facebook after his passing. “Sam played an irreplaceable role in preserving our department’s story.
“His dedication, passion, and countless volunteer hours built the foundation of what the Fire Museum is today.”
Last year, at his 105th birthday celebration, a local news story noted Seibert’s pride in being part of the fire department and museum.
“This fire department is very special to everyone who is in this building,” he said. “Most people came here because they want to see me kick the bucket, but I’m not going for another week or two,” he joked. “It’s a pleasure to be in this organization.”
And his advice for a long life? He told reporters and his friends at the party that you shouldn’t drink too much water because it will rust your pipes.
Instead, friends said, he preferred to drink soda and beer.
