Ralph Fliedner first joined the Vigilant Engine and Hook & Ladder Company in November 1958. During his thirty-eight years of membership, he served as president of the company from 1969 through 1980. He also was a member of the Vigilant Exempt Benevolent Firemen’s Association where he served as its president from 1988 to 1994. He provided leadership and his usual organizational skills to both organizations.

Ralph Fliedner was a life-long resident of Great Neck until his retirement. He was the proprietor of the Fliedner Funeral Home which was located on Middle Neck Road in the village of Great Neck Estates. His father who was the founder of the business was also a life member of the Vigilant Fire Company.

Ralph was always active in the Vigilant Ambulance Service. In the 1960’s, he was an instructor with the American Red Cross for basic and advanced first-aid courses. As technology progressed in the 1970’s, Ralph was instrumental in bringing Advanced Life Support to Great Neck and the Vigilant ambulances. He taught the first classes for Emergency Medical Technician training at both the basic and advanced levels at the local hospitals.

As the EMS system grew, Ralph helped establish a formal structure in Nassau County for medical protocols and training for emergency medical technicians. By 1977 he had developed and tested a re-fresher training concept which was very close to the one that exists today.

Aside from his fire department activities, Mr. Fliedner was a member many community organizations where he held office as well. These include the Great Neck Lions Club, the Great Neck Village Businessmen’s Association, the Great Neck Visiting Nurse Association, and the Knights of Columbus of St. Aloysius Church. He was a partner in North Shore Limousine Rental Inc. and he was a founder of the Nassau-Suffolk Limousine Association. For many years, Ralph played the role of Santa Claus at the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Village Green. He also served with the United States Army.

After his retirement, Ralph moved to Lake Ariel, Pa. There he joined the local fire department and became a member of the Lions Club in that community.

Even after attaining Life Membership, Ralph could be counted on to respond to calls 24 hours a day, right up to until the day he moved out of town. Ralph passed away on January 8, 1996. He will always be remembered.