A Red Plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a North Wales firefighter who died in a tragic farm rescue over 35 years ago.
Holywell firefighter Edwin “Eddie” Goodman (pictured above, second from left) died after becoming overcome with fumes whilst trying to rescue two agricultural workers trapped in a silo, on 4 March 1987. Both of the farm workers also lost their lives.
The incident took place on Plas Captain Farm in Brynford, Clwyd. The plaque is placed on the station wall at Holywell fire station, where Mr Goodman served.
Eddie’s family and friends were in attendance, including his widow, Lyn Goodman, who made a brief speech.
The plaque which was unveiled is a Red Plaque. The Red Plaque scheme is run by the Fire Brigades Union and aims to recognise firefighters who have died in the line of duty with a plaque recognising their sacrifice.
Fire Brigades Union North Wales brigade chair Stuart Stanley said:
“Eddie Goodman and the sacrifice he made are still remembered in the brigade and in the local community. No one will ever forget such bravery and such a great loss, in such tragic circumstances. This plaque will ensure that future generations of firefighters and the public remember what happened and remember Eddie.”
FBU North Wales brigade chair Stuart Stanley and North Wales chief fire officer Dawn Docx
Stuart Stanley was joined at the unveiling by many FBU members, officials and Eddie’s friends and former colleagues. Former firefighter Mike Smith (pictured at top, on ladder), who was present on the day that the tragedy occured, and North Wales chief fire officer Dawn Docx were both among the invited speakers at the unveiling.
Andy Dark, Fire Brigades Union assistant general secretary, said:
“Firefighters mourn the loss of every firefighter whatever the circumstances of their passing. The death of a firefighter in the line of duty makes it even more tragic. There is added poignancy when their lives are lost whilst trying to save the lives of others. The FBU’s Red Plaque will help ensure that Eddie and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten. The Fire Brigades Union is proud to play a part in remembering Eddie and ensuring that his legacy remains remembered”
Eddie had become a retained firefighter in 1982 on leaving the Royal Navy. He was accorded full fire service honours at his funeral. He was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal, the Andrew Carnegie Hero's Medallion and the Fire Brigade's Gallantry Medal.
The Red Plaque scheme is one of a number of projects funded by the FBU’s Firefighter 100 lottery.
The money raised by the lottery is supplemented by money from the FBU itself. The Firefighter 100 lottery the can be entered by anyone who wishes to help by using www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk.
Images courtesy of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service.
Above: FBU executive council member for Wales Cerith Griffiths and Lyn Goodman, Eddie's wife
Above: Eddie's daughter Diane Stevens and Eddie's grandchildren
