Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company

It is with great sadness that the officers and active members of the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company announce the passing of former fire chief and life member, Harry J. Hicks. 

Harry J. Hicks, 78, of Phoenixville, died on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at home.

Harry was born on June 29, 1932 and grew up across the street from our main station.  In 1949, when Harry was 17 years old, a group of men in Valley Forge, including his father Paul Hicks, founded the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company.  Harry remembered that the first fire truck was stored in their garage at home until the fire house was built.

Harry served in the US Air Force from 1950 to 1953 during the Korean Conflict..  Upon discharge in 1953, Harry joined the fire company although he received credit for the time he served in the military.  At first he served as a "Truck Forman", what we call an Engineer today.  Later, he served as Fire Chief for a period of 8 years.  Harry worked as a truck driver for McAvoy Brick Company until his retirement and was a member of Valley Forge Baptist Church.  Harry Hicks was a life member of Valley Forge Fire Company, West End Fire Company, Mont Clare Fire Company, Oaks Fire Company, Veterans of Foreign War Post 1564, Phoenixville and American Legion Post 482, Phoenixville.

Surviving are a daughter, Tammy, wife of Keith Wickstrum of Phoenixville; a son, Dennis, husband of Donna Hicks of Oley; four grandchildren; his good friend and companion, Helen Joan Turner, and family, and a sister, Bette, wife of Thomas Abraham Jr. of Horsham.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jay Hicks, and brother, Paul Hicks Jr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service in the Devlin-Rosmos-Kepp Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 517 S. Main Street at Fourth Avenue, Phoenixville, on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. with Rev. David A. Leiter, officiating.

Burial will follow in Valley Forge Memorial Gardens, King of Prussia.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 10 to 11 a.m.