By Chief Fred Maas


For ten years, since the inception of the City and Police Department for Sunny Isles Beach, Rick Feisthammel served this community as a Police Lieutenant in charge of the Uniform Patrol Division.  He brought with him many years of experience and wisdom from his former agency, the North Miami Police Department.  His knowledge, work ethic and calm demeanor, his sense of humor and helpful attitude were all qualities that were popular amongst residents and city officials.  He also knew how to “get the job done” which was a plus to his colleagues and bosses.

But Rick Feisthammel brought something else very special when he came to this city and department; his wife ALICIA.  She was a police professional herself, having worked with the FBI for many years.  Alicia was a kind, warm giving person who also had a great sense of humor and was fun loving for sure.  We all were drawn to her immediately.  She was the quiet type, always in the background, never in the limelight, but was also there to help “get the job done.”

When Rick retired, Alicia was not quite ready yet and so for about 2 more years, they just kind of worked and waited for that day.  Finally this year, in 2009, Alicia joined Rick in retirement.  On Memorial Day, she once again joined him (Rick) in grilling up hot dogs and hamburgers, etc. to feed all those city employees who had to work, as they always do, on Holidays.  These two people gave up their Memorial Day “to serve those who serve you.”  That is the type of people Rick and Alicia Feisthammel are.

Then, in an instant, life changed for them, their family, for all of us.  Without warning or any advance knowledge, Alicia succumbed to one of the silent killers, an aneurysm of the brain.  She lapsed into a coma, never to recover.  On August 28, 2009, she died, surrounded by her family, less than 4 months after her long awaited retirement.
At her services, the outpouring of love and affection was returned by hundreds whose lives she had touched.  And her husband spoke eloquently but emotionally about their life together. 

On Saturday, September 5, 2009 at a church service and funeral in North Miami, we said good-by to Alicia…And on that day, we spoke of her in a positive, uplifting and hopeful manner because that is the way ALICIA would have wanted it.  She was without a doubt a lady with class and dignity and yet so down to earth and so kind and so simple, it was very hard to say good-by.  I ask that in your own way, please keep Rick and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this most difficult times in their lives.