45. Melvin Kenneth Voorhies (1970-1971)
Served 2 Years
Melvin “Mel” Voorhies was born on July 28, 1925, in College Point and raised in College Point, Queens. He was the son of Charles and Edith (Keller) Voorhies. He married Kathleen McGunnigle in July of 1955, and they moved to 179 West Marie Street, Hicksville. Mel was employed at Republic Aviation and would retire from the United States Postal Service after 30 years as a Letter Carrier.
Mel was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy from March 1944 through June of 1946 where he was stationed in the Pacific.
Mel joined Hook and Ladder Company 6 on March 13, 1956, and was given badge 586 before he transferred to Engine Company 7, where he was a Charter Member.
In 1959 he became Second Lieutenant of his company and in 1962-1964 had worked his way up to the office of Captain. Mel was elected as 3rd Assistant Chief in 1964-1966, 2nd Assistant Chief 1966-1968, 1st Assistant Chief 1968-1970 and took the oath of office as the 45th Chief in 1970. It was during his term that his 1st Assistant Chief, Marty Donlon resigned due to health concerns. Lou “Red” Mertz was moved to 1st Assistant, Mario Misturini was elevated to 2nd Assistant and Roy Schaaf was elected 3rd Assistant Chief. Mel would go onto serve less than a two-year term since this would be the year that the Department revised their by-laws to vote in December for a calendar year term.
During his term as Chief, Mel was in charge of a general alarm fire believed to have started in a storeroom gutting the offices of H. Pollack Fertilizer Co. on Charlotte Avenue on January 27. Temperatures of 9 degrees and winds gusting to 40 miles per hour hampered firemen. The thousands of gallons of water used to control the blaze quickly turned to ice. Hoselines froze to the ground, nozzles froze up, and one pumper was knocked out of service when pump gauges froze up and its throttle became stuck. The fire was stopped before it damaged the Doino Truck Tire Service. Only the 2-story office complex was destroyed. Firemen were severely hampered by rocks in the hydrant system on Charlotte Avenue and eight hoselines had to be shut down to remove stones from the nozzles. Damage was estimated at $100,000.
In 1971, there was a fire in the Heads and Threads Store located on South Oyster Bay Road that caused over $70,000 in damage. Just three days later a fire which burned unnoticed for an estimated two hours before being reported by a passerby, heavily damaged the building occupied by Hicksville Rambler Inc. and the AMX Auto Body Shop at 40 Newbridge Road near West Marie Street. The blaze which caused an estimated damage of $50,000, had heavy smoke condition that closed traffic on Newbridge Road. The fire was brought under control within ninety minutes caused considerable damage, including five cars in the building were damaged. Three firemen were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
In March of 1971, the department created the “Explorer Post No. 778”. The group was established with over 50 youths between 14 and 20 participating. The Post was guided by President Jeff Larkin. The Post was trained for the purpose of introducing new prospects for the fire service. The young adults are overseen by advisors.
In February of 1971, six firemen recently completed a 30-hour State Health Department Rescue-Emergency Care course. The men received instruction in the latest methods of First Aid, Rescue and Coronary care. In addition, six firemen were graduates of this new EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course to better serve the emergency rescue needs of Hicksville.
Mel was the Department’s Sergeant-At-Arms from 1972 through 1983 and was on the Annual Fund Drive Committee, serving as Chairman 1973 through 1977. Mel was bestowed the honor of Honorary Grand Marshal at the 1981 Annual Labor Day Parade & Drill, and he was the "Shaefer's Fireman of the Year", a most prestigious and respected tribute.
Chief Voorhies son, Charles, was a member of Hook and Ladder Company 6. His son-in-law is ex-Chief Robert Lang of Protection Hook and Ladder Company 1. His grandson, Michael, is a former Captain of Protection Hook and Ladder Company 1.
Chief Voorhies passed away on July 14, 1985, and is interred at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury.
Chief Voorhies is shown at a few of his many fires during his term.
