It is with profound sadness that the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department announced the passing of ex-Chief and past Commissioner Mortimer ‘Morty’ C. Sickles. He was 88-years old.
Chief Sickles joined the department on January 21, 1965, earning the honor of Firefighter of the Year in 1967. He was dedicated to a life of service having also served for two years in the US Army. Proudly wearing badge number 225 he rose through the ranks in Engine Company 3 becoming Chief of the Department from 1978 to 1980.
Chief Sickles continued to mentor the men and women of the department and to serve on multiple committees until recent health issues limited his participation. He was highly respected for his work on the construction of the Deer Park training facility, the department fund drive, the safety officer program and his work with the Suffolk County Parade officials. His wisdom and life lessons, imparted with humor and the persona of an old-fashioned gentleman, earned him the affection of the “troops”— his reference to department members.
When not at the firehouse, he could be found in his basement
workshop, working on model ships. All the while, he would be
listening to the Town of Babylon East Fire Radio channel or keeping tabs on his son Jeffery’s service as a Fire Marshall through the North Carolina station on his I-Pad.
Morty Sickles was the loving husband of the late Mary Ann, cherished father of Cheryl, Brian (Stacey), Steven (Dawn), Jeffrey (Karen) and the late Glen. He was the proud grandfather of Ryan (DeShawn), Garrett (Katie), Jason (Krista), Alex, Samantha and the late Danny. He delighted in his role as great-grandfather of Olivia, Sadie, Mabel and Bea.
– Fire News photos provided by the Deer Park FD
