17. Fred Dietrich Fricke Jr. (1924)
Served 1 Year
Fred Fricke was born April 6, 1884, in Manhattan and is the son of Fredrich and Maria (Onhalz) Fricke. The family moved to Hicksville and took up residence on Woodbury Road. The family owned and operated an ice cream store on Woodbury Road.
He married Lillian Weston in September of 1905. They had a home at 75 Heitz Place. He was a ship builder and general carpenter for many years, working for the Long Island Railroad. He was a founding member of the Carpenters Local Union 1772.
Fred joined Independent Engine and Hose Company 2 and was elected as their Foreman, before transferring to Protection Hook and Ladder Company 1 where he served as their secretary in 1933 through 1936 and again in 1938 and 1939. Before going onto the Honorary List, Fred transferred to Company 3.
Fred was elected as the 17th Chief in 1924 and served one year. Ferdinand (Fred) Kerbs and Charles Ambron would serve as 1st and 2nd Assistant Chiefs. During his term, the new water district was attempting to terminate fire hydrant maintenance from the private water company. Each and every time a fire hydrant was used, the private Water Company was required to be notified. Chief Fricke was routinely threatened with civil and liable damages. Chief Fricke met with the local water commissioners to push for a full takeover of the fire hydrants in 1924.
He unsuccessfully ran for Commissioner of the Hicksville Fire District on three separate occasions. He lost in 1925 to Charles Van Wickler and then to John Werthessen in 1932. He tried again in 1936 and lost again to Charles Van Wickler.
Fred had a vision and started it all in 1925 with a parade and drill that was held on Labor Day. He was the 1st Chairman and served in 1927 and 1934 as well. His vision and foresight remain a significant event in Hicksville for over 75 years, before ending in 2005.
His son, Fred Fricke II was also a member of the fire department and his sons-in-law August Jud, Harry Borley, and Herman Auer, were all volunteer firemen in Hicksville.
Chief Fricke passed away on January 5, 1954, and is interred at Plain Lawn Cemetery.
