Harold W. Lichte was elected a member of the Vigilant Engine and Hook & Ladder Company on July 7, 1975.  From the day he was elected, there was not a doubt in any member’s mind that we had elected a sincere, caring, loving, friendly and honest person, who was a devoted husband, father, neighbor and friend.  Harold never hesitated to go out of his way to help anyone in need.  Helping people came naturally to him.  It was as if he got joy from seeing others happy, even if he had to sacrifice himself.  Harold exemplified the characteristics that we would all like to see in ourselves.  That is why Harold meant so much to so many of our members.

During the eighteen years that Harold was a Vigilant member, he held several administrative office positions.  He served as Sergeant-at-Arms (1977) and as Trustee (1981, 1982, 1985 and 1986) in the utmost profession manner.  Harold also served on many company committees.  In particular, he acted as chairperson of the Sickness and Distress Committee.  As chairperson he was responsible for consoling members in their time of need.  Every year, Harold would give joy to members’ children by acting as Santa Claus at the Children’s Holiday Party.  No one will forget the smiles on the children’s faces as they posed for their picture with Santa “Harold” Claus.

Harold was employed by Unisys (formerly Sperry) as a security guard and subsequently promoted to a supervisory position.  He was a dedicated employee for over 37 years and took his job very seriously.  When speaking to several of Harold’s co-workers, it felt as if one were part of his family.  Some of them have described Harold as the kindest man “who walked the face of the Earth”, and who cared about everybody, man and animal alike.  As one of his peers keeps reemphasizing, “Harold was too good,
an Ace Man, a Big Teddy Bear, and if you didn’t like him you were the crazy one.”

On Friday November 12, 1993 Harold succumbed to a heart attack. Though Harold has passed on he will never be forgotten.

On December 6, 1993, the membership of the department unanimously appointed
Harold W. Lichte Honorary Chief of the
Great Neck Vigilant Engine and Hook & Ladder Company.

There are many who walk into the firehouse, through the bay doors on a regular basis for many years, and when they leave, the Vigilant Fire Department might stumble but does not lose stride.  Then there’s Harold, who walked into the firehouse, through the bay doors on a regular basis and without having to say a word, lit up the room and put a smile on the faces of all who were present.  When Harold left, the Vigilants lost stride, tripped and fell. It has an effect and Harold will be missed.

Harold is survived by his wife Grace and his two children Craig and Lisa.