Profile: Ernie Hicks – 59 Years of Service to Basking Ridge

Ernie C. Hicks was 25 years old when he joined the Basking Ridge Fire Company in 1949. It was only a few years since he had finished a five-year hitch as a radioman with the United States Navy, and he was studying to become a CPA, the career he would enjoy until retirement. His World War II service had seen him sail twice across the North Atlantic and then twice across the Pacific, as well as later tours in the Mediterranean and Red Sea.

Ernie was the third member of his family to join the company, following his father, Ernie V. Hicks, and his grandfather, Charles Wickenhaver. It was the 1903 fire that burned down Charles’ horse barn that spurred the townsfolk of Basking Ridge to form the Company in 1904. Charles was made an honorary member of the company in 1913, at the same meeting that Ernie’s father was sworn in as a firefighter.

“I belong to a lot of organizations,” says Ernie, “but I’ve enjoyed this one the most.” Ernie served not only as a firefighter, but also on the first aid squad. During his career with the company, he has served as its President, Secretary and Treasurer. “When I started, there was no formal training. They gave you gear and told you to do whatever your Captain told you to do.” Ernie remembers generations ago, the then-rural town of Basking Ridge had as many brush fires as structure fires, not to mention barn fires.

Ernie recently recalled some of the personalities from his early days with the Company, including Ex-Chief David Y. Moore, an original charter member who served for over fifty years (and who was also the Township’s blacksmith), and Ex-Chief Lauren W. "Larry" Cross.

It seems that D.Y. (who served as Chief in 1927) and Larry (who served as Chief in 1953) had a running argument about which of the Company’s two fire trucks was the superior machine – the 1931 American La France (known today as “Old No. 1”) which was favored by D.Y., or the more “modern” 1938 Diamond "T"-Pirsch which was favored by Larry. To finally settle things, a pumping contest between the two engines was held at the Millington Bridge on South Maple. The winner? D.Y.'s Old No. 1 beat the Larry's "newcomer", and the issue was settled.

Ernie is no longer fighting fires nor answering first aid calls. It is rare, though, that he misses a monthly Friday-night meeting of the Company, and he can often be seen at our Monday work nights. His wisdom and leadership are valued by all in the company, and he is especially active in reaching out to new members. His firm handshake and rapid grin are quick to put newcomers at ease. And he still serves as the Treasurer for the Bernards Township Fireman's Relief Association, putting his CPA skills to good use.

It is hard to overstate how much Ernie means to Basking Ridge and its fire company – his nearly 60 years of service should remind us all that our community derives its greatest strength from its volunteers.