Dick was a second-generation firetruck builder, whose father, Lester started Young Fire Equipment Corporation in 1944. As a young man Dick was a staple in the Young plant before leaving to join the Navy in 1948. Upon returning from honorably serving in the Korean War, Dick proudly went to work for the family business, eventually becoming President of Young Fire Equipment. During his tenure at Young, Dick revolutionized the apparatus industry with his ideas and designs, many of which have become standards today.
Dick once again followed in his father’s footsteps becoming President of FAMA (Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association) and when Young Fire closed their doors in 1991, Dick created Performance Advantage Company in 1992. Using the knowledge he gained building apparatus, Dick focused on tool mounting brackets and has grown PAC into an international company servicing over 38 countries across multiple industries.
Dick was a respected humanitarian and historian, donating not only the location for the Greater Lancaster Museum of Fire Fighting to be built, but also pieces from his personal collection. He served on the Lancaster Village Board, was a published author and musician, as well as a lifelong honorary member of many local fire departments in and around western New York.
Dick’s list of accomplishments and awards are outnumbered only by the number of lives he touched and people he helped. He was an undeniably charismatic legend in the fire industry and he will be sorely missed.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, March 23 from 12-4 PM at the Wendel & Loecher Inc. Funeral Home, 27 Aurora St., Lancaster, NY. A celebration of life will be on March 23 from 6-9 PM at Ripa’s Restaurant, 4218 Walden Ave. Lancaster, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to his non-profit to recognize Lancaster volunteers: Dick Young Heritage House, 10 Central Ave., Lancaster, NY 14086.
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