SANTA ANA : A 70-Candle Alarm for Oldest Firefighter

In 47 years of fighting fires, Donald E. (Dewey) Wright said the most stubborn and difficult blaze he ever extinguished was the one on his last birthday cake on Sunday.

Without a hose to quench the 70 flickering candles, “I had a hell of a time blowing them out,” he quipped.

On Monday, the City Council and Fire Chief Allen (Bud) Carter celebrated Wright’s birthday with a chorus of “Happy Birthday.” They also honored Wright’s decades of continuing service by naming him honorary fire chief for the day on Tuesday.

Wright, the oldest active firefighter in Orange County and possibly the oldest in California, said that although he’s long past retirement age, he has no intention of quitting.

“If I have anything to say about it, I’ll be here for years to come. I’ve had many good years, and I’ve got many more good years ahead of me,” said Wright, who is responsible for connecting hoses and pumping water at fire scenes. Wright is assigned to Fire Station 2 in eastern Santa Ana.

“I do like the job. It’s the greatest job in the world,” he added.

To Wright, there are few things better than rushing to fires and other emergencies alongside his younger counterparts. “These people keep me young. Actually,” he said with a smile, “I’m not 70, I’m 55.”

During a surprise party on Tuesday at Centennial Regional Park, Carter praised Wright’s commitment to the department, noting that no one else has ever been named honorary fire chief.

“He’s just a role model. It’s great that he’s hung around as long as he has and he’s done a great job,” he said.

With the exception of the coat and tie he had to wear, Wright said, he relished his temporary role as head of the department.

“I called the state fire chief, then I took a nap. I called the governor, then I took another nap. All I need to do now is go golfing,” he joked.

Wright’s son and grandson, who are both firefighters, also appeared at the party to offer hugs and congratulations.

Doug Wright, 51, a Newport Beach firefighter, said he’s impressed with his father’s ability and longevity in the job.

“It’s a great inspiration that he can continue to do the job and stay in shape,” he said.

Wright’s grandson Erin, 24, a Fountain Valley firefighter, agreed. “It’s amazing more than anything. I think he’s going to outlast my dad.”

Standing next to three fire trucks and surrounded by several friends in uniform, Wright said he was touched by all the fuss being made over him.

“This is the greatest thrill of my life. It makes me realize how much these people mean to me. It makes me appreciate them even more.”