Alfred 'Fred' Kuhne, Ex-Chief Of Dix Hills FD, Dies At 88

Alfred "Fred" Kuhne, ex-chief and charter member of the Dix Hills Fire Department died on Dec. 20, 2018 at age 88. He was the department's most senior member, serving for 71 years.

He was the last surviving member of the fire department's Charter Member group, which consisted of 40 residents who recognized the need for fire protection in the growing community of Dix Hills and formed the Dix Hills Fire Company in 1947.

Kuhne and his father, Alfred, were part of the pioneers who made the Dix Hills Fire Department what it is today.

Kuhne served as Assistant Chief in the mid-1960s, was an Ex-Captain of Company Three and was an Ex-Captain of the Fire Police Squad.

He was one of the first dispatchers hired for the Dix Hills Fire District in 1967, which was when full time dispatch operations began. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his loving wife Ethel, daughters Cheryl and Laura, and granddaughter Felicia.

Visitation and Firematic Services were held at the Boyd-Caratozzolo Funeral Home in Deer Park, with interment at Melville Cemetery, according to PIO Steve Silverman.

Photos by Steve Silverman