Submitted by his mother
Thomas W. Kickler
Assistant Chief Batesville Fire Department‚ Greer‚ SC
Volunteer Firefighter with Laurens County and City Fire Departments‚ SC
Thomas was born Dec. 8‚ 1963 a preemie weighting in at 3lbs. However it did not take him long to become a very active strong and inquisitive little boy and soon became known as ‘Tom the Bomb.’
Tom had many personalities. He loved hats. Any hat he had on he became that character. His first was an Air Force member like his brother Ken who served during the Vietnam War. When Tom was 6 his father became a volunteer firefighter with the local department in Penn Hills a suburb of Pittsburgh Pa. where we lived. This was his first desire to be a firefighter. He would ride to the fire hall with his father and wait till he returned from the fire.
I’m always thinking about you dad… I love you and miss you very much!!
– Ashtyn KicklerIt has been six years today since we lost you. Even though you are not physically with us, you are forever in our hearts. There is never a day that goes by that we don’t think about you. We love and miss you very much. We know that if you could see us now that we are growing up, me in college and T a sophomore in high school, you would be very proud of us. We know how proud we are that you are our dad. Mom tells us many stories about some of the great things you have done and your accomplishments. Love you always and forever, Your children.
– Ashtyn & ThomasTom was one of the escorts for my family when my dad was honored at the National Fallen Firefighters weekend in 1999. He became like a part of our family that weekend. He was willing to do anything for us that weekend. He even told me to call anytime I needed help since I was in college at the time of my dads passing and he was closer and could get to me quicker if I needed anything. He is surely missed by all that knew him.
– Bridget SimsThom, probably not a day goes by that I don’t think of you or I’m telling one of my students or partners about things that we done in our young rescue squad days. You would be so proud of some of my achievements in fire and EMS.
– Donald "Cuzz" ScottI didn’t have the chance to know Tom personally but I sure have felt his presents as my career in Laurens Co EMS and Laurens Co firedept blossomed he left a legacy here that will always be felt his footprint here is mighty strong and big Thank you Tom for all you did for my hometown you paved the way for bigger and better things we still could use you now but God had different plans God Bless you family for sharing you with us!!! God has an angel in you for sur!!!
– Dee MatthewsKick it’s hard to believe it’s been so long. Throughout my career I have always used your leadership as methodology as my guide. I always looked up to you and constantly compare the way things are now to the way you led us so many years ago. You are truly missed. Love ya brother.
– Jor LipshetzTom was an awesome guy and a phenomenal paramedic. Things he taught me I still use frequently. He is remembered and missed.
– David EllisTom,
– Gina BrittNot a day goes by that I don’t think about my mentor, my big brother, my friend and my director, while working Laurens County EMS. You are missed. loved dearly and Never Forgotten.
Still remember sitting at Cross Hill EMS and hearing about some of your calls you ran. You were a great director at Lauren’s EMS and even more missed.
– Sue NewtonI learned so much from Tom. We had so much fun together, he had a great sense of humor. Tom was also a compassionate man, a gentle giant. He lead by example and was one of the most aggressive and intelligent Paramedics I have EVER known….. RIP brother
– Mike Huggins16yrs have gone by since we lost you, but still remember that night like it was yesterday – miss you my friend
– Mike SullivanA fantastic man and wonderful friend who I loved dearly. I remember the day he walked into my algebra class at Hudson high school. Impressive presence.
– Janae Garza