What’s 105-year-old San Jose firefighter’s secret to long life? Beer and soda.

It’s always a joy to visit the downtown San Jose Fire Museum, but being there for retired Fire Capt. Sam Seibert’s birthday celebration was really something special.

Seibert turned 105 on Monday, and he was the guest of honor at a party at the Market Street firehouse-turned-museum on Tuesday. He sat upon a throne, was serenaded by retired firefighter Jim True and blew out the three candles on his chocolate birthday cake. (Had there been 105, it might have set off some alarms.)

Seibert...