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
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202 MAGAZINE \ JULY 2013 \ 202magazine . com