James R. Snedigar Public Service Award Winner Saves Lives
/ 202 heroes / doing good
By Kimberly Gunning
Meet Chandler Firefighter Chad Goswick
James R. Snedigar Public Service Award Winner Saves Lives
In February and October of 2012, Firefighter Chad Goswick of the Chandler Fire Department and other volunteer firefighters from his team targeted 400 homes in a smoke detector check effort. In each home visited, detectors were tested and repaired, or replaced when necessary.
Just days after the October check, Goswick and his team responded to a call about a house fire. Never would he have imagined the call would come from one of the very homes his team installed a smoke detector in— saving the life of the family inside.
This year, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce awarded Goswick with the James R. Snedigar Public Service Award. His involvement in the smoke detector check program is just one of the many reasons Goswick was deemed worthy of the honor.
The Public Service Award was created by the Chandler Chamber to honor a police officer or firefighter for their exceptional service to the community. The award was renamed in honor of an outstanding police officer involved in a number of volunteer projects, Officer James R. Snedigar, after he was killed in the line of duty April 16, 1999.
Chandler Chamber President and CEO Terri Kimble says,“ It’ s great to honor local— not only the businesses, but the educators who stand out.” As for the public service members, Kimble says,“ It’ s a great way for the community to thank them.”
Each year, a committee of nine, diverse community members discuss the nominees for each of the Chandler Chamber awards. Many are nominated by their supervisors and coworkers, while others are nominated anonymously.
At the end of May, each winner is surprised by a team from the Chandler Chamber, and then presented with the award at a small ceremony surrounded by family and supporters.
For Goswick, being honored by the Chamber was a,“ Truly humbling experience.”
Goswick knew he wanted to be a firefighter during high school. Craving an active work environment and doing something different each day, he immediately took to the career path. After completing his associate’ s degree in fire science, he enrolled in the Explorer Program.
Throughout his 11 years with the Chandler Fire Department, Goswick’ s more memorable highlights have included
40
202 MAGAZINE \ JULY 2013 \ 202magazine. com