The Firehouse team would like to congratulate Deputy Chief William Goldfeder, a Firehouse contributing editor, who on May 26 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Loveland City Council and Otto Huber, Chief of Department for the Loveland-Symmes, Ohio, Fire Department.
Huber notes that having Goldfeder lead the department’s health and safety efforts has been instrumental for fire personnel, both locally and regionally.
“Billy’s lifetime pursuit of firefighting and firefighter survival has served our community and the greater international fire service community well,” he says. “He has brought (and continues to bring) extraordinary awareness to the issue of fire operations and survival in our profession through his leadership that spans a lifetime.”
About the award, Goldfeder says he is more appreciative than he could ever explain: “I was deeply humbled and a bit taken back when I was told I was getting this award, as I hope, with help, that I have more ‘lifetime’ to go since I have no plans to retire. Our chief tries to make sure that our folks are appreciated while they are still active and around to enjoy it, which sets such a great example. I have a wonderful life with the best family, friends, fire department, professional successes and opportunities—all this is so much more than I ever imagined.”
Goldfeder has been a firefighter since 1973 and a chief officer since 1982. He has served on numerous NFPA and IAFC committees.
He is on the board of directors of the IAFC, representing the Safety, Health and Survival Section, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, September 11th Families Association and National Firefighter Near-Miss Reporting System.
