In less than a week, the residents of Hicksville will vote to elect a new fire district commissioner. Whoever is elected will serve the citizens of our community for the next five years and have the distinct duty of implementing policies that affect the safety and well-being of all Hicksville residents.

I know firsthand the responsibility that this position holds having had the privilege of serving as fire district commissioner for the past 10 years. As I vacate this position, my desire is to have it filled by the best candidate. It is for this reason that I ask the residents of Hicksville to support William Thunell for commissioner in the upcoming election.

As a firefighter and commissioner, I have had the privilege of serving alongside William Thunell for over 30 years. William Thunell served the residents of Hicksville as both a company officer and then as Chief of the Department. During my year as chairman of the board, William Thunell was chief of the department. His dedication and concern for the well-being of the department members was evident in his handling of department and member decisions. While chief of the department, William Thunell served on the Standard Engine Committee and helped to spearhead the standard engine, which saved the district thousands of dollars. His firefighting knowledge and personal integrity was an asset to the department and the members he served as chief and would prove to be invaluable as Hicksville Fire District Commissioner.

William Thunell has the personal experience needed to lead, govern, and implement policies that will continue to provide the utmost in fire and emergency services to the residents of Hicksville and provide for the firefighters that serve. Vote for William Thunell on Tuesday, Dec. 11.