William Thunell

Elections for Hicksville Fire District took place Tuesday. William "Spike" Thunell defeated John Keyer 745 to 590 for the five-year term being vacated by Commissioner William McKee.

Thunell has been a resident of Hicksville for 56 years and a member of the Hicksville Fire Department for 36 years, having served in various leadership positions, including captain and lieutenant of Hose Company #4 and chief of department. He is also a longstanding member of the department's Haz-Mat team.

Thunell focused his campaign on ways to enhance community awareness and continued efforts to improve harmony between the district and the department. According to the commissioner-elect, he would like to see the district maintain a close relationship with the community and department. "Open communication is the key to success," Thunell told the Hicksville Illustrated News.