Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

In remembrance of Tom Amico

TO THE EDITORS:

Tom Amico, aka "Sammy Slick," was one of the first firefighters I met in 1967 at the beginning of my firefighting career. Sammy Slick, as he was known in-house, was an ominous presence at fire scenes, relaying verbal commands from ranking officers. He was one of those unsung heroes known as a "chief's aid."

During the unsettled times of civil disorder in the city, one particular night in May 1970, the first responding fire units were attacked by mobs with Molotov cocktails setting one engine on fire.

Several firefighters were attacked by these mobs of troublemakers, Tom used his skills to fend off the attackers and protect the vulnerable firefighters, of whom I was one. I was very thankful for Tom's intervention.

Hurricane Agnes struck in June 1972 and Tom was in the thick of things again coordinating rescue efforts and other emergency needs. These are a few of the hundreds of services that Tom provided to the citizens and the City of Lancaster.

A belated thank you to Tom, who passed away last weekend, on my behalf and others.

Ed Knight

Retired Firefighter

City of Lancaster