At 65 years old, Ed Levien wondered if he was too old to start something new—but what followed became one of the great joys of his life. Defying expectations, he became a volunteer EMT, quickly earning the nickname “Pops” as he brought calm, compassion, and a spark of humor to thousands of emergency calls. Over 12 years, Ed answered more than 3,300 calls, helped deliver babies, comforted the injured, and made each moment count—all while managing his own health challenges. Now 76 and retired from the rigors of the ambulance, he still shows up, restocking supplies, mentoring new recruits, and spreading his steady joy. His story is a vibrant reminder that it’s never too late to discover a calling, give back, and live with purpose. Click the link below to read about Pops.
Stories of Joy 