MERCHANTVILLE, New Jersey (WPVI) — Bill Kinee, a World War II veteran and retired Philadelphia firefighter, was celebrated for a lifetime of service on his 100th birthday.<\/p>\n
Kinee was born in Philadelphia and joined the Army when he was 18 years old. He became a projectionist, rolling films for military personnel.<\/p>\n
After returning home, he worked with the Philadelphia Fire Department for over 30 years.<\/p>\n
Then, he spent a few years as a security guard at Methodist Hospital, which is now Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
He eventually settled in New Jersey and now lives in Collingswood.<\/p>\n
Today, friends and family threw a 100th birthday party at the Merchantville Community Center, fit with firefighter-themed decorations.<\/p>\n
He was also presented with the Camden County Military Service Medal by the Board of Commissioners.<\/p>\n
Bill was also presented with a firefighting-themed cake with a bevy of candles to blow out. Ironically, once he extinguished each of their flames, the resulting smoke triggered the fire alarms.<\/p>\n
It was a moment of serendipity that gave the whole room a laugh.<\/p>\n
Watch the video above to hear more from Kinee himself.<\/p>\n