14. Henry Louis Schnepf (1919-1921)
Served 3 Years
Henry Schnepf was born November 15, 1893, and is the son of Martin and Pauline (Kerbs) Schnepf. He was born at the family home that once stood on the property of St. Ignatius Church. He married Anna Youngheim in November of 1915, and they had a home at 133 Park Avenue.
Before he was Superintendent of Nassau County Highways (1932-1971) Henry was a painter and wallpaper hanger and was an assessor for Hicksville for 4 years (1928-1932.) He later opened his road paving business, known as Henry Schnepf and Sons, which operated until the 1950’s.
Henry first became familiar with the Hicksville Fire Department when he joined the "juveniles", which is the equivalent to our present Junior (Explorer Post) Firemen until he reached 18 years of age. He joined Volunteer Hose Company 4 in 1911 and served as their Captain in 1916.
Henry Schnepf quickly took an active part in the fire service. He held all offices in the Department: Department Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, just to name a few. He also took much interest in the many various Committees in the department. One Committee that Henry worked most diligently on was the formation of the first by-laws of the Hicksville Fire Department.
With the sudden departure of William Braun in April of 1919, Henry Schnepf was elected as the 14th Chief of the Department and held that position for three years. During his term, George Shaaf and John Kerbs would serve as 1st and 2nd Assistant Chief.
There was a fire on December 1, 1921, at a large home in Central Park, now Bethpage. The loss was total and was investigated by Nassau County. Before Hicksville firemen could get to the location, the home was consumed with fire. This was the second fire in a short time at this property and it seemed to be fueled by an incendiary nature.
Chief Schnepf held a welcome home supper for the members of the Hicksville Fire Department having served their country during the late World War I. All the firemen, exempt members, ex-Chiefs, and Fire Commissioners were present. The Firemen/Soldiers honored were:
- George Ambron
- Fred Braun
- Joseph Barry (KIA)
- Lawrence Braun
- Fred Davis
- Frank Sutter
- Philip Eisemann
- August Fassbender
- John Gebhardt
- Harry Hubbs
- Henry Janka
- Frank Jung
- Fred Kerbs
- John Kerbs
- Jacob Karman
- Fred Hasten
- Jack Kantor
- Frank Milacek
- Rowland Monico
- George Schaaf
- Fred Turner
- Fountaine N. Taliaferro
- Joseph Valentine
- Walter Wheeler (KIA)
- William Wollenbecker
- Edward Van Nostrand
- Edward Barry
- Peter Ewing
All the living heroes were present, and each received a firemen's badge Inscribed "World War Hero”. Over one hundred guests were present. A fine supper was served, and speeches were made by the various dignitaries.
It was during his term that the Maxim Diamond “T” Hook and Ladder truck was purchased and used until it was replaced with a Seagrave Ladder in 1951. After serving as Chief, Henry transferred to Company Three and many years later he returned to Company Four. Henry served as Honorary Grand Marshal of the Annual Labor Day Parade & Drill. At the Labor Day Parade and Drill in 1964, the oldest living former Hicksville Fire Department Chiefs were recognized. Henry Schnepf, and Henry Gebhardt were honored as “Honorary Chairmen” of the Labor Day parade and tournament. In 1978, Henry was again honored for his service on Labor Day with Ex-Chief Jack Leckie.
His brother, August Schnepf, was also a member of the fire department and served as the 15th Fire Chief, immediately following Henry’s term. Henry was a Master Mason and part of the masonic organization for over 60 years. He was also a long-standing member of the Hicksville Republican Club.
Chief Henry Schnepf passed away on June 10, 1985, at the age of 91 and is interred at the Plain Lawn Cemetery. At the time of his passing, he attained 74 years of active service to the Hicksville Fire Department.
Circa 1908 showing the Junior Firefighters group with Henry Schnepf (5th child in front row) holding a trumpet in the middle.
Ex Chief Schnepf is shown with ex Chief Gebhardt receiving awards for the service to the Department at a Labor Day Parade in the 1970's
