As a firefighter for Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company and the Wilmington Fire Department, Jerry Fickes was known for his passion for training.
“Jerry was all about training,” his widow, Laura, recalled Sunday. “He was one that wanted to be prepared. He believed in training.”
Fickes' passion for training will live on thanks to a new training center that will help prepare the next generations of Aetna firefighters. The Jerry Fickes Memorial Training Center opened Sunday at Aetna's Station 10 on Old County Road in Glasgow.
“Those of you who knew Jerry probably would say he was never at a loss for words. But I truly believe that he would be at a loss for words knowing that for years you've been training in his honor,” Laura said during a brief dedication ceremony. “Thank you on behalf of our family. We are honored and humbled that you would honor his name this way.”