Fire Chief
Menge's name often appears in the news in connection with Hicksville's firefighters. In October 1902, when the New York Volunteer Firemen's Association held its convention in Hicksville, he had been one of a few men chosen to be take care of the "Arrangements" - which implies that he was known for his ability to get things done.
In 1904, when Hicksville's early fire companies decided that the time had come to band together, and create a formal Fire Department, Menge was chosen as Hicksville's first Fire Chief. The following is an excerpt from a short but detailed history, written by Joseph Steinert, Jr.
Huntington Long-Islander, December 12, 1919
Being Fire Chief brought new responsibilities, of course, and it also meant participation in numerous public activities, some festive, and some solemn.
Huntington Long-Islander, May 31, 1907
Decoration Day was the name then commonly used for
Memorial Day, which was established to honor those
who died fighting for the Union in the Civil War. The
"Catholic Cemetery" in Westbury since has been
integrated into the Cemetery of the Holy Rood.
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