103-year-old Naples woman gets birthday wish: a photo with firefighters

Reporter: Jolena Esperto
Published: Updated:

It was a dream come true for one birthday girl.

Josephine Markell turns 103 next week and her only birthday wish was to have her picture taken with firefighters for her Christmas card.

So as a surprise, the North Collier Fire Department decided to take pictures with her.

“We wanted to make sure that we make that wish come true,” said Heather Mazurkiewicz, the public information officer for the North Collier Fire Rescue District.

The moment choked up Ana Marx, of Glenview.

“I saw her coming down and awaiting this very anticipated moment,” Marx said. “Truly, that moment was when she embraced the firefighters as they came in.”

Josephine Markell had one wish for her birthday. She wanted to take a photo with firefighters for her Christmas card. (CREDIT: WINK News)

“I was in tears. I thought it was emotional the moment was so beautiful,” Marx added.

The firefighters visited during her surprise birthday party.

“My response to this was immediate: Yes, this is the best invitation we have ever had. We will absolutely be there,” Mazurkiewicz said.

Markell was a bit overwhelmed but she sure was happy.

“As firefighters, a lot of us when we started this, we had these images of saving people’s lives and stuff, but really at the essence of who we are and what we do, this is it, is that a person can celebrate another birthday,” Mazurkiewicz  said. “And so for us to be able to be a part of that celebration. It’s a really big deal. And we’re really proud to be here.”

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