VIDEO: At the Llanerch Volunteer Fire Company, the American flag flies at half-staff and black bunting hangs as a symbol of mourning as firefighters grieve the loss of one of their own.
Harry Sauder joined the fire company at age 17 and spent the next 80 years with the department in various roles, including chief. The 97-year-old died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on Tuesday, according to his family members.
Larry Swartz, who serves on the Llanerch Volunteer Fire Company's board of directors, said Sauder had a big impact on him as a friend and mentor.
"He was never married, didn't have any children, so we were his kids," Swartz said. "And this was his home." Sauder spent 33 years as an active firefighter, 20 years on the board of directors and 27 years visiting the fire department almost daily.