An Abington Man Who Volunteered With The Weldon Fire Co. For 61 Years Has Passed Away

ABINGTON, PA — A local man who spent more than six decades as a dedicated volunteer in the local fire services has passed away.

The Weldon Fire Company announced Wednesday the passing of former Chief David Schramm.

Schramm joined the Weldon Fire Company back in 1961 and continued being an active member of the organization for 61 years, according to the fire company.

He served as captain from 1967 to 1968, assistant chief from 1969 to 1974, and as chief from 1975 to 1982.

After he retired as chief, Schramm continued on in a different capacity.

"Dave was the Fire Company's Financial Secretary from 1987 to 1996 and even after retiring as Chief, Dave was still annually in the top 20 at Weldon for fire responses and often the number 1 or number 2 driver," the Weldon Fire Co. stated in a post on its Facebook page.

Schramm also served as fire services administrator for the Abington Township Fire Department, a position he was probably best known for, the Weldon Fire Co. stated.

"During his tenure as Fire Services Administrator, the Abington Township Fire Department achieved national accreditation, one of only a few 100 percent volunteer fire departments across the country to achieve such a status," Weldon posted. "Because of his leadership, the Fire Department has been reaccredited once and is in the process of being reaccredited again. Chief Schramm's leadership and presence will be missed."

According to Weldon, Schramm received the Weldon Fire Company Chief's Award in both 1989 and 2001, and he was a recipient of the Weldon Fire Company President's Award back in 1998.

He also chaired the Air Truck Committee at Weldon from 1995 until his passing, and he was influential in the design of Abington Township's mobile air unit, Air 300.

"It was his meticulous care of Air 300 that led to its ongoing service to Abington Township for 28 years," Weldon posted.

In his own post, Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Malloy said his department extends its deepest sympathy to Schramm's family and the Weldon Fire Company, calling Schramm a "great man," and saying that his "leadership and dedication to the Abington Community will be deeply missed. May he Rest in Peace."

Community members took to social media in reaction to the news of Schramm's death.

"He was a great mentor to me while I was training in firefighter one training, and so many other Abington Firefighter's!," George Stevenson, Jr. posted on Facebook. "Very sad! David will be truly missed."

Patch reported in June on Schramm's stepping down as fire services administrator in Abington. He had held that position for 18 years.

In his professional career, Schramm worked as a junior high school assistant principal for the Abington Township School District. He retired from that position in 2004.

"Best Vice Principal any student could ask for," Ashley Nic wrote on Facebook. "RIP and prayers to all."

An obituary did not yet appear to be available for Schramm.