Taking care of their own: On June 25, more than 20 firefighters visited Parkwood to install a new sidewalk and exterior wall for Kelly Goodwin, the widow of fallen Fire Battalion Chief Michael Goodwin.
A generous businessman and a bunch of off-duty firefighters last week teamed up to help the family of fallen Fire Battalion Chief Michael Goodwin.
Goodwin, who died in an April 2013 fire at a South Philadelphia fabric store, lived on the 12600 block of Friar Place in Parkwood.
James Goodwin, his brother, lives with his family right next door.
In the more than two years since Michael Goodwin died, his fellow firefighters have been kind to his family in various ways.
On June 25, more than 20 firefighters showed up on Friar Place to install a new sidewalk and exterior wall for Kelly Goodwin, Michael’s widow.
While they were at it, they paved the sidewalk and driveway for James Goodwin and his family.
And, for many of them, when the hard work was done, they had to report to work that night.
James Goodwin, a narcotics cop, and Michael Goodwin Jr. helped out with the work.
The project was organized by Battalion Chief Joe Doherty.
Engine 22, Ladder 31, at Academy and Comly roads, showed up for support. The Second Alarmers provided refreshments.
Bill Hagstotz, president of Castor Materials Inc., donated at least $5,000 worth of stone and concrete, not to mention use of a company truck.
Castor Materials has offices at 3025 Castor Ave. in Port Richmond and 3301 S. 61st St. in Southwest Philadelphia.
Michael Goodwin was working as a captain, stationed at Ladder 27, Engine 53 at 4th Street and Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia, on April 6, 2013. He was on the roof of a store on fire on the 700 block of S. 4th St. when the roof collapsed, killing him. He was 53 years old and a 29-year veteran of the fire department. He was posthumously promoted to battalion chief.
Besides his wife and son, he is survived by a daughter, Dorothy Dunn; two grandchildren; his mother; and three siblings.
In addition to his work in the fire department, he was president of the church council at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Kensington. ••
Taking care of their own: On June 25, more than 20 firefighters visited Parkwood to install a new sidewalk and exterior wall for Kelly Goodwin, the widow of fallen Fire Battalion Chief Michael Goodwin. MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTOS
