Veteran firefighter dies in line of duty after 65 years of service

BRISTOL, Pa. (WPVI) -- For the first time in its 70-year history, Station 14 has lost a firefighter in the line of duty.

Ed Margavich, a lifelong member of the Croydon Fire Company, died last week at the age of 80 after injuries sustained while responding to a fire.

Outside the firehouse, the flag flies at half-staff.

A memorial sits at the front steps, where members of the community have begun leaving flowers. Parked outside the bay doors is his personal car, fire-truck red.

"It's a big loss for us, it really is," said Joe Gasper, the department's public information officer.

Margavich answered his final alarm just before dawn on Friday, August 8 at around 5:30 a.m. He joined firefighters battling a van fire that spread to a nearby home in Croydon, a blaze later determined to be arson.

Margavich and two other firefighters were injured.

While directing traffic at the scene, Margavich returned to the firehouse to gather equipment. Inside, he fell and broke his femur. Despite treatment, his condition worsened, and a week later, he died from his injuries.

"There's no words. Honestly, we're shocked," Gasper said. "We never thought a broken femur would bring us here."

Margavich's firefighting career began at age 16. Over the decades, he rose through the ranks to serve as chief and later fire police captain. He was still one of the company's most active members, often responding to calls in the middle of the night.

"As many times as we said to him, 'Eddy, slow down, you don't need to get up at 2 a.m. for a fire call,' he still did," Gasper recalled.

Next month would have marked his 65th year of service with the department.

"He's very well known throughout the county," Gasper said. "This will leave a huge impact on fire services as a whole in Bucks County."

Margavich is remembered for his devotion to the fire company, his trademark laugh, and his smile.

"He had such an infectious laugh at our meetings," Gasper said. "We'll miss him."

Margavich would have turned 81 next month. He leaves behind his wife and seven nieces and nephews.