World War II veteran, retired Philly firefighter celebrates 100th birthday

Community Journalist World War II veteran, retired Philly firefighter celebrates 100th birthday By Matteo Iadonisi Saturday, November 7, 2026 11:34PM "No regrets, no regrets," said 100-year-old WWII veteran and retired firefighter, Bill Kinee. "I wish I could have done more, that's all." 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. Kinee was born in Philadelphia and joined the Army when he was 18 years old. He became a projectionist, rolling films for military personnel. After returning home, he worked with the Philadelphia Fire Department for over 30 years. Then, he spent a few years at Methodist Hospital, which is now Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia. He eventually settled in New Jersey and now lives in Collingswood. Today, friends and family threw a 100th birthday party at the Merchantville Community Center, fit with firefighter-themed decorations. He was also presented with the Camden County Military Service Medal by the Board of Commissioners. 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. It was a moment of serendipity that gave the whole room a laugh. Foster mother charged in 10-year-old's death previously faced abuse allegations, attorney says Person shot, killed after encounter with police in Norristown New York City Department of Education employee charged with murder in stabbing of jogger 3 hours ago Watch the video above to hear more from Kinee himself. RELATED: Philadelphia security guard's artwork earns display in City Hall Khaliik White, a security guard who draws intricate artwork during his breaks, now sees his work hanging on the walls of Philadelphia's City Hall. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics COMMUNITY & EVENTS MERCHANTVILLE COMMUNITY JOURNALIST FEEL GOOD WORLD WAR II VETERAN FIREFIGHTERS VETERANS DAY Philadelphia security guard's artwork earns display in City Hall 'DaeLight Foundation' supports mental health of Camden community BLJ Community Rowing helps young adults navigate through life How 'Morgan's Light' shines bright six years after tragic passing Watch Live ON NOW Foster mom charged in girl's death previously faced abuse allegations Person shot, killed after encounter with police in Norristown NYC Dept. of Education employee charged in stabbing death of jogger 3 hours ago Armed suspect shot during confrontation with police in CVS store AccuWeather: Dry and breezy this weekend Husband speaks after wife killed in salon attack: 'She was everything' 'Very evil' Parents recall encounters with teacher charged with murder What we know about the foster mother charged in death of 10-year-old