Mayor Craig A. Moe releases statement of condolences
It is with sadness that I announce the passing of the Honorable H. Edward “Eddie” Ricks, former Councilmember, Laurel City Council President, a friend for 45 years and a true public servant, serving the City for over 55 years.
Councilmember Ricks was born in Cheverly, Maryland but has lived in Laurel his entire life. He worked for 37 years in the Federal Court System in Washington D.C., spending his last 15 years as Director of Family Court before he retired in 2000.
Councilmember Ricks served on the Laurel City Council from 1980 to 1988, and again in November 2011 to November 2019. He served several times as Council President most recently in 2011, when the members of the City Council elected him to that position.
When Eddie left the City Council in 1988, his obligations at his job with the Family Division of the Superior Court, did not allow him much time to focus on returning to the Council. But after 20 years away from elected office, he was elected in November 2011.
Residents would always tell me that Eddie was a very good listener, dedicated to his position as an elected official, always ready to help a friend or constituent in their time of need, people knew the decisions he made were reached with a lot of study; residents would say he was a man known for his dedication to the community, and that he always had a heart of gold! All very good traits to have!
While serving with Mayor Robert J. DiPietro, Mayor Dani Duniho or myself, Councilman Ricks always worked well with the Administrations, so long as it was in the best interest of the City and its residents. Mayor DiPietro stated that “Mr. Ricks was not only a friend, but a true professional, and hardworking City Councilmember, always ready for meetings, work sessions and community meetings. He would always lay out his issues or concerns to me, and we would work to fix them. I will miss Eddie, and his over 55 years of dedication to our community.”
During Councilmember Ricks first tenure on the Council, he sponsored legislation requiring sprinkler installation in all new construction, making the City the first in the County and possibly the United States, to do so. He worked hard and attended task force meetings with Prince George’s County officials, fire servicemembers, builders and others to see this legislation passed to help save lives. He took the lead, alongside then Councilmember Donna L. Crary, and residents from across the City, County, and State to preserve the historic Laurel Train Station, which remains an active commuter station today. He always loved to attend the Annual Maryland Municipal League conventions, that always took place during Eddie’s birthday, June 19th. Eddie worked hard, but also knew how to have a great time wherever he was. His birthday was no exception. He was never shy about sharing his position, thoughts, and ideas to make his hometown Laurel a better place to live, work, play and visit.
Eddie was a Life member of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad and held many operational and administrative positions in each of the Departments over the years. He served on the Laurel Board of Appeals, Public Safety Citizen’s Advisory Committee, the City’s 150th Anniversary Planning Committee, Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Committee, Election reform committee, and was involved with varies Maryland Municipal League (MML) Committees throughout the years. Whether a committee assignment, task force, or planning for an event, Eddie made things important to Laurel, its residents and its businesses happen. His devotion and dedication to his hometown knew no bounds. Laurel is a better place today because of Eddie Ricks.
I will always remember Eddie for his friendship, dedication, and service to the community of Laurel and his willingness to always be one of the first to step forward to assist whenever asked.
For his service to the City of Laurel and community, I have ordered the Maryland and City Flags to be lowered on all City buildings and facilities to half-staff in honor and memory of Councilmember H. Edward “Eddie” Ricks until Friday, March 11, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. As funeral details become available, the City will pass them along to the public.
