Introduction
One of the biggest obstacles that I encountered in this project and any history project is where do I start. It all started with my initial research from my days as a young firefighter over 40 years ago. Back then I was able to chat with many of the older members, early contributors, and the important leaders, of which many have passed on. This project is my contribution that it is our time, our time to document the 2 percenters. Two percent of those members who stepped up to serve as leaders of the Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department. The Chief Officer.
I used the advantage of my prior research that was gathered over 30 years ago and the notes I had saved, gave me a leg up. I remember those firsthand conversations with Chief Kerbs, Borley, Weiss and my personal favorite, Walter Werthessen. It was the early 1980’s that would set my passion of writing various historical projects. I had the opportunity back then to talk with many former Chiefs and older members. What helped me along the way was that I came from a firematic family, including family that served in all eight companies of this department.
I would ask them about their experiences, what they remember from their early days and what was passed down from generation to generation. I would comb through the department file cabinets that haven’t been looked at in many years. Even a trip into the old apartment on the third floor and the crawlspaces above the old library. Areas that turned out to be treasure troves and would only see the light of day because of the conversations with our forefathers. The information was organized, cataloged and left it in a much better place in 1994. Since that time, the file cabinets were pilferage through, and much is long gone. However, I had the foresight to back up much of the research on floppy disks, which have become useless with today’s technology.
I read through hundreds of pages of old Department, District, and Company minutes. I was lucky enough to have them made available to me back then. The Hicksville community was also lucky enough to have several local newspapers since 1910, that gave me an enormous advantage in my research. Additionally, I became interested in genealogy and that led me to using the internet, visits to local cemeteries and libraries.
I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize two individuals, Ex-Chief Owen Magee, an all- around keeper of history. Ex-Chief Magee was a main contributor to the local newspapers for decades serving as the public relations conduit starting in the 1970’s. Before him, there was the editor of the Mid Island Herald, Fred Noeth. Fred was a member and Ex-Captain in Emergency Company 5. He provided weekly updates of fire news during the late 1940’s through the 1970’s.
I realized quickly we will become part of the historical landscape, and it was my goal to leave the next generation of fire historians a place to carry on and to reflect on those who once served. Dare I say, the leaders, movers, and shakers, and yes, the two-percenters.
Filling this book is a documented look back at 73 individuals who stepped up and once served as Chief Officer of the Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department.
I hope you enjoy,
Karl M Schweitzer, 59th Chief Officer.
