In a time when most nonagenarians are busy doting on their grandchildren, a 92-year-old man in California, USA, is still working as a firefighter at Disneyland, putting in two shifts a week, with no plans of retirement in sight. He has been working at the theme park for an impressive 62 years, making him the longest-serving employee.
According to a report from the Disney Parks Blog, back in 1955, a man named Henry Ameen fell in love with Disneyland. He visited the park with his wife just a month after it opened for their honeymoon.
After retiring from the US Air Force in 1958, he joined Disneyland as a part-time skipper for the Jungle Cruise attraction due to his bartending experience. The hiring manager thought his jokes would bring joy to visitors, and he quickly became popular for his ability to make guests laugh and cheer.
Henry quickly mastered the art of entertaining guests, earning applause and admiration from all. He humorously remarked, “I feel good about it.”
After several summers, Henry decided to take on a new challenge, working as a firefighter in Garden Grove for 35 years. Despite his full-time job, he still worked as a part-time firefighter at Disneyland on his days off because of his love for the park.
His responsibilities include ensuring the safety of attractions and conducting safety checks during nighttime fireworks, a job he sees as protecting the magic. He said, “I’m passionate about what I do because I feel like we’re protecting the magic.”
Decades later, Henry continues to safeguard the park, celebrating his 62nd anniversary of service on October 8. He holds the legendary title of being Disneyland’s longest-serving employee.
Throughout his more than half a century of experience, he has cherished extraordinary memories, including having lunch with the park’s founder, Walt Disney himself.
Recalling the encounter, Henry said, “He walked over to my table, and I never thought he would sit with me. He pulled up a chair, asked me some questions like ‘Do you enjoy working here? How’s the food? What can I do for you?’ The conversation lasted about 10 minutes. It’s a wonderful memory.”
Henry attributes his vitality to his habit of staying active, whether swimming, working out at the gym, or taking walks around Disneyland before it opens. Additionally, his optimistic outlook on life keeps him thriving. He said, “You have to have a good attitude. Make the best of it. Live in the moment.”
When asked about the possibility of retiring, Henry paused for a moment, his eyes twinkling, and said, “As long as I can still smile, I’ll be here.”