Firefighting often attracts members of the same family. Similarly, many small companies within the fire industry also pass down through families. One of the first families to enter the international market with its pumps and fire trucks was the Darleys and they are proud of their second and third generation members who are actively involved in the business.

Last weekend, more than 300 “Darley Disciples” gathered outside Chicago to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the W.S. Darley Co. and it’s move into a new facility. The founder’s son, Bill Darley and his wife, Fran, greeted guests as they arrived. Dressed in bowler hat and walking stick, the “ghost” of founder W.S. Darley also welcomed attendees and spoke of the early days in his business.

“There are 16 of us in the third generation of Darleys and we see ourselves as stewards of this business,” said Paul Darley. “With that stewardship comes a sense of pride and passion in what we do and that sense of family permeates what we do.”

Darley‘s advertising campaigns have always promoted the family aspect of the company. “You can always talk to a Darley when you call W.S. Darley,” one ad campaign offered. A more recent campaign offered a Darley family cell or home phone number for customers to call. When the ad featured 4-year old Gabe Darley, I called the phone number and spoke with his dad, Jim.

Sure it‘s a business, but it’s one of the few that still delivers old-fashioned care and commitment.

“One things that makes Darley different is that we have existed for a hundred years not just as a company, but as a family company, and that doesn‘t just happen,” Peter Darley said. “No matter how successful we are as a company, if the family doesn’t work together right, then that success won‘t last. So while we know that customer relationships are king, strong family relations are also vital — and luckily the importance of this value has been passed down from generation to generation.”

Last month, I worked with Paul Darley on Illinois Home Day, an extension of the fire service awareness program held annually in Washington, D.C. Paul answered every e-mail and phone call promptly. When I asked him what his secret was for keeping up with everything, Paul replied, “Passion for what I do … I have never worked a day in my life.”

When you treat your customers, partners and colleagues like friends, it‘s not work, is it?

Over the years, the Darleys have generously supported many fire service associations and organizations across the country, often without publicity.

While FIRE CHIEF congratulates the entire Darley family on this 100th anniversary, we should also acknowledge the North American and global fire service for recognizing the Darley‘s commitment and dedication to the fire and emergency services for 100 years.

“We do a lot of market research,” Paul Darley said. “[The customers] really are what makes Darley what we are.”

Here‘s to another 100 years!