By: Chief Fred Maas
When he was on the job, he always made his decisions in order of priority. Serving the community first and our obligations to them; trying to make adjustments in the best interest of the officer and their family next; all other reasonableness after that. He was committed to doing his job and serving the community.
Several years after his retirement, Rick Feisthammel, retired Lieutenant, has still got his priorities straight. He returns every year, on Memorial Day, to provide a BBQ for the officers and employees who have to work the Holiday instead of being off with their families like so many others.
That is part of the commitment to community I was referring to. Lt. Feisthammel would make sure every new officer that came to work in this department knew that we do not get Holidays and Holiday weekends off like others. Because of our beaches and oceanside resort area we need everyone, even Commanding Officers to work those Holidays. And he was always here and now even in retirement he comes back just to serve those who are serving you.
As a tribute to his years of service and being a pioneer member of the department, he was surprised when he was presented his duty badge, encased in an acrylic frame, denoting his years of service to this community. Rick Feisthammel is genuine but more than that he is consistent and fair. He is so consistent you will see him next Memorial Day, God willing, along with his wife, cooking up a storm to feed the troops who serve this community. Thanks Rick, you will always be a part of this police family and community.
Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup, retired Lt. Rick Feisthammel, Commissioner Gerry Goodman, City Manager A. John Szerlag, Chief Fred Maas.
Civilian members and police officers working the Memorial Day Holiday from Sunny Isles Beach PD share the BBQ cooked by retired Lt. Rick Feisthammel.
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