Dix Hills Fire Department Remembers Ex-Chief and Commissioner

Photos by Steve Silverman

The Dix Hills Fire Department is mourning the loss of longtime member and former Chief and Commissioner Fred Reithel, who passed away at 93 years of age on Thursday, May 21.

Reithel served the department for 52 years. He was able to see the Dix Hills community change from a rural and farm community into a residential area over the years.

He was a lieutenant for 14 years, a commissioner for 11 years and served as chief from 1974 to 1975.

Before his involvement in the fire services, Reithel served in the United States Navy and built PT boats. He went on to work for Sperry and produced the navigation system for submarines.

Reithel bought land on Caledonia Road in 1955. He built his own house and joined the Dix Hills Fire Department. The rest is history.

Although times have changed, the department has progressed due to the dedication of its members like Fred Reithel. Chief Reithel will be deeply missed by the Dix Hills Fire Department and community, the department said.

Story provided by Steve Silverman