Joseph was a firefighter and certified EMT for Tobyhanna Army Depot for 20 years. His best day on the job was on his birthday in 1985 on an ambulance run. He delivered a baby girl in a Burger King parking lot.
He also was a volunteer firefighter for Dickson City. Served in the U.S. Marines for 5 years honorably discharged after two tours of duty on Vietnam 1965-1967.
A loving and devoted husband and father. We were married for 21 wonderful years. I am and always have been proud of him. An avid hunter and fisherman he shared these with his son. They were the best of buddies. John was always with his dad, even joining the junior fire department in town.
He was a good man and a trusted friend to many. Living life with gusto he had two favorite sayings:
“Enjoy it today because I could be gone tomorrow, and I want no regrets in life.”
“When my time comes, I hope God takes me quickly doing what I love, fighting a fire or out in the woods hunting or fishing.” He passed doing the career he loved.
Though my career began after his passing, Mr. Kozlowski was highly thought of in the stories relayed by those that worked with him. We are working to keep his memory alive by a memorial plaque displayed in his honor, and making new firefighters aware of his legacy and service
– Palmer JohnsonI will NEVER forget Joe. When I first joined the Dickson City Fire Dept. at age 18, Joe took me “Under His Wing” and kinda’ Mentored me, without me ever asking him to do so. You know that feeling, when you’re the new guy and low man on the totum pole. Joe NEVER let me feel that way. He welcomed me, and taught me things, fire dept. and life wise. I’m now a 53 year member of our DCFD, and if it wasn’t for Joe, I don’t know if I’d make it through the Probation Period. He Made me make it, and I’m Thankful for his Guidance, even till today. Joe was a Good Friend to me. He had a great Impact on my Life. I will never forget his kindness he extended to me. Proud to be His Mentor. Godspeed, My Friend…
– Bill BilinskiI knew Joe through the Dickson City Fire Department . When I joined in 1973 Joe was a mentor to me as I progressed to
– Frank Mazurbecoming a regular member. Joe was always looked up to by the younger guys in the department because he knew how to handle himself on the fire ground and at the station. He would give you encouragement when he thought you needed it and was clear about telling you you were doing something to put yourself or others in danger. Joe was one of those guys we always say “we lost way too early ” in the fire service.
In my experience, Joe was a guy who really loved what he did and always strived to help people in need. God bless