In Memory of Ben Sickels
(September 9, 1951 ~  August 2, 2005)

The Wellington Fire District and the Wellington community lost one of its most colorful members this morning.  Twenty-nine year veteran, Ben Sickels, passed away suddenly in his sleep.  He was fifty-three years old.  Ben joined the fire department on April 1, 1976.  During his tenure, Sickels wore many hats on the department.  For many years, Ben was considered "the" pump operator on most incidents.  Hoseline crews were comfortable knowing Ben was at the other end supplying water.  Later in his career, he served as dispatcher for the department, covering the radio duties for all fire calls.  Again, his knowledge of fire scenes made him one of the department's most valuable resources.  Along with his dispatching duties, Ben remained active as the Firefighter's Associations longtime Secretary and also was vitally important to the maintaining of the Kenny Brouse Scholarship Committee.

Outside of the fire department, Ben enjoyed collecting Pepsi Cola memorabilia and was an accomplished guitar player, playing nearly every Saturday night with his "Saturday Night Pickers".  A loving father of three and a loyal friend, Ben's presence will be sadly missed.  The Wellington Fire District extends our deepest sympathy to his family and also offers a great deal of gratitude to have been able to work with Ben.