In memoriam: Hero firefighter Michael Goodwin
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Fire Capt. Michael Goodwin believed in leading his company from the front, so it was no surprise that he was up on the roof of a Queen Village fabric shop on April 6, trying to contain flames from the three-story building. Sadly, the roof collapsed beneath his feet, sending him to his death in the fire below.
Over a 29-year career, Goodwin, 53, had risen through the ranks to become the leader of Ladder 27. He was promoted posthumously to the rank of battalion chief, in keeping with fire department policy. His son, Mike Goodwin Jr., told the media a few days after the tragedy, “My father died doing what he loved, fighting fires, serving the city.” Goodwin’s desire to serve others extended into other parts of his life, too. Though he moved to Parkwood in Northeast Philly, he continued to worship at St. Michael’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kensington, where he grew up. He was president of the church council and would often help elderly women with home repairs and by taking them grocery shopping. “He did it quietly,” said the Rev. Marjorie Neal, the church pastor.
Goodwin was known at work as someone who kept everyone upbeat. He also had a serious side, and didn’t hesitate to speak his mind. His son said he would miss his father’s hugs and analyzing the sports page with him every morning. “He was the captain of our house,” Mike Jr. said.
