Latest news with #GoshenFireDepartment
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Family of 15 loses Goshen home in fire
GOSHEN, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — A Northwest Arkansas family is left reeling after their home was destroyed in a fire May 8. The family of 15, all living under one roof, lost nearly everything they owned in the blaze, which engulfed their camper, eventually spreading to their house next door. Laura and Randall George, along with more than a dozen family members, moved into the home in Goshen last month. 'When we bought the place, we felt a sense of peace that we haven't felt in a long time,' Laura George said. Laura George says she was getting groceries for their oldest son's birthday party when she got the call. 'My daughter-in-law showed up and called and said that there was a fire. I said, 'What do you mean a fire?'' Laura George said. According to the Goshen Fire Department, the flames started in the family's camper and quickly spread to their home next door. Adding to the difficulty, the family lost their one-year-old puppy named Blue in the blaze. Almost one week later, they visited their home along South Vanzant Road, trying to recover whatever they could. 'I haven't been able to go past the front door,' Laura George said. 'I missed two days of my medication': Senator releases statement on Fayetteville traffic stop As they try to adjust to their new reality, Laura George says she remains focused on staying strong for her family. 'It was our home. It is our home. I know it's going to work out. It's just hard at this moment,' she said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it does not appear suspicious. The family is currently staying in a hotel for the time being. They say the love and support they have already received from the Northwest Arkansas community is tremendous. A GoFundMe has been created to help the family. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Goshen station renamed for assistant EMS chief who lost fight with cancer
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways GOSHEN — A trio of Goshen firefighters with decades of service were diagnosed with cancer around the same time a few years ago, a common occupational hazard in an already dangerous job. One of them retired and one of them is still with the department. The third, Assistant EMS Chief Bruce Nethercutt, died two years ago at 53. The city unveiled the south-side station named in Nethercutt's honor on the two-year anniversary of his death Friday. Nethercutt died on May 2, 2023, after a one-year fight with what was determined to be job-related cancer. 'We're not here just to dedicate a building, we're honoring a life that made a quiet, lasting difference. A life defined not by titles or attention, but by steady service to others,' Mayor Gina Leichty said during the dedication at Station 3 on College Avenue, where Nethercutt served as house captain for several years. 'Bruce didn't ask us to remember him this way. In fact, his parting words were, 'Take care of each other,'' Leichty said. 'But his message is exactly why we need to remember him this way. Because in naming this building after him, we're also lifting up the ideals he lived by and the entire team he served with.' Fire Chief Anthony Powell remembered Nethercutt as a family man who set a standard that his colleagues still follow. 'Chief Nethercutt was many things: He was a husband, he was a father, he was a grandfather, he was a son. And to all of us here at the Goshen Fire Department, he was truly a brother,' Powell said. 'Throughout his distinguished career, Bruce embodied the very best of who we aspire to be. A leader who served with compassion, strength and unwavering commitment.' Nethercutt's name is inscribed on the Indiana Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall in Indianapolis and the International Association of Fire Fighters Memorial Wall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Both honor firefighters who died while on duty. 'The sacrifices Bruce made for this community are immeasurable,' Powell said. 'Ultimately, he gave his life in the line of duty, sacrificing himself through job-acquired cancer to protect the citizens of Goshen.' 'Don't go through what I went through' The International Association of Firefighters considers cancer the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths. It says almost three-quarters of active-duty deaths among members in 2023 were due to cancer. Powell explained that much of the risk is due to the chemicals contained in many home furnishings these days. He said crew members now take extra caution to remove residue from equipment or exposed skin when returning from a fire, and gear is kept isolated from the living quarters in a station inside a negative-pressure room. 'Where previously, your furnitures and everything were made of wood, natural wood products, now they're made with a lot of glue and a lot of synthetic materials,' he said. 'Some of the things that we're doing to help prevent that is, we have wipes that we wipe our skin down that's exposed. Our gear is bagged on scene and then brought back and washed in our extractors here. Just trying to do some preventative measures.' The material that firefighters use is another hazard, such as fire-retardant spray applied to gear or the foam that can be sprayed on a blaze. Powell said they no longer use a type of foam that contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are linked to harmful effects on humans and animals. The Elkhart Fire Department, where multiple firefighters have also been diagnosed with cancer in recent years, stopped using PFAS-containing foam in 2020. The same year, 38-year-old Travis Mahoney died of lung cancer after being diagnosed only a few months earlier. Battalion Chief Scott McDowell was one of the Goshen firefighters who was diagnosed around the same time as Nethercutt. It's an illness that firefighters are predisposed to, said McDowell, who returned to work after being cleared by his oncologist following treatment. 'I had Stage 5 throat cancer. Multiple surgeries and all that mess, and chemo and radiation, and obviously rehab. It's been a long two years,' he said. 'I can retire, I'll have 32 years on the job in August. I enjoy the job, enjoy the profession, I'm not ready to call it quits yet. As long as my health stays good, I'm here as long as I can.' McDowell said he tries to impress on younger members of the department the need to keep their guard up around potential carcinogenic hazards. 'I get on the rookies about wearing their air packs a little bit longer than what we used to back in the old days, just because of all the chemicals. You just think, with a house fire, off-gasses, the plastics, the synthetics,' he said. 'Basically, old days, you wore an air pack, but you'd take them off pretty quick. They're heavy, uncomfortable. I teach the young guys, if you think you're done with one bottle, you put another one on. Because I don't want anybody to go through what I went through.' He said being smart about the risks can mean something as simple as washing their hands before eating a snack while at a scene long-term, or changing out of their gear and showering as quickly as they can when they get back. 'Trying to be smarter about the contaminants on your gear, on your clothes, on your hands. Awareness, I guess, of the cancer issue in the fire service and being proactive. Hopefully somebody can be here longer than I can,' he said. 'If I can teach somebody, one, tell them my story and two, like, 'Hey, I remember when Chief McDowell said wash your hands before you eat the donut.' Little things like that. Is it going to happen overnight? Nope. But over 32 years, it got me. And it got Bruce.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EDITORIAL: Fire Academy shaping tomorrow's heroes
If you're looking for a heartwarming local story, the RedHawk Fire Academy is the place to start. Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty recently celebrated this innovative program during her State of the City address, praising its dedication to training tomorrow's firefighters and first responders. Since opening in 2024, the academy has generated tremendous interest. Those who complete the full program earn an associate's degree from Ivy Tech Community College and step right into careers with the Goshen Fire Department. For many high school juniors and seniors who aren't planning on a traditional college route, this hands-on training offers a direct path to a rewarding, well-paying career. Moreover, the program builds a strong local talent pipeline for the future leadership of the fire department. Partnered with Goshen Community Schools, the academy immerses students in practical training that goes far beyond classroom lectures. They learn essential skills, from safely operating chainsaws and navigating ladder work to handling firehoses under high-pressure conditions. Students even gain insights into modern firefighting tactics that enhance safety and efficiency on the front lines. They learn the skills that modern firefighters rely on to combat emergencies with precision and speed — innovations that are reshaping the future of the fire service. One participant summed it up perfectly: 'This kind of hands-on learning is better than learning from a computer. It's so helpful to see exactly what this work looks like.' ADDING ANOTHER LAYER of inspiration, the academy is housed in the historic Chandler School building. Once known as Madison Street Elementary, the original structure burned down and was rebuilt by a determined community that, in 1948, renamed the school in honor of Emma Chandler. Now, at this very site where tragedy once struck, Goshen students are learning firsthand what it means to be a hero. The training goes beyond technical skills — it instills the very values of service and commitment found in the Firefighter's Pledge, which calls for concern for others, unwavering courage, and a heart strong enough to carry any burden. Even if every student does not choose a career as a firefighter or EMT, they gain invaluable lessons in teamwork, resilience and service that will serve them well throughout life. Division Chief of Instruction Travis Peak leads the program with enthusiasm, noting, 'Even if they don't decide to pursue the training as a career, they'll gain a lot of positive experiences from this program.' The RedHawk Fire Academy is more than a training center — it's a community initiative that empowers youth, nurtures local pride, and demonstrates that true heroism begins with service. Interested in learning more about how modern firefighting technology and techniques are reshaping emergency response? Stay tuned for more insights into this forward-thinking program and the future heroes emerging from Goshen.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Life saving acts, road closures, and a $68M utility water project
GOSHEN — The city of Goshen is looking for a $68 million loan to help pay for a water project. Director of Public Works and Utilities Dustin Sailor requested permission from the Goshen Board of Public Works Thursday to submit a loan application on behalf of the Goshen Water Utility company to the State Revolving Loan Fund. The proposed project as described in the memorandum written by Sailor, is for an upgrade in water supply and treatment infrastructure for the city. In the proposal, it is said that the growth forecasts as well as the infrastructure is indicating the need for additional treatment to avoid the Indiana Department of Environmental Management connection ban. If the ban were to happen, it would prevent any new customers. Sailor wrote in the proposal that the main goal for the project would consist of new construction of a new south water treatment plan to meet increasing system water demands as well as the replacement of the existing Hilltop Booster Station to meet pressure requirements. The application will be submitted for the proposed loan request of $68 million and the city will begin the process of improving water supply, distribution, and water treatment. LIFE-SAVING AWARDS Three life saving awards presented to Goshen police officers Patrol Division Chief Ryan Adams presented three Life Saving awards, recognizing the work of Capt. Austin Everage on Oct. 10, 2024. On that day officers were notified of a person suffering a possible fentanyl overdose. Capt. Everage arrived at the scene and assisted the individual who had the signs of an overdose with Narcan. When there was no immediate response to the Narcan, Everage began to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Goshen paramedics arrived and took over and transported the person to the hospital. Adams said that Everage then later spoke to medical staff and was informed that the person was recovering and later discharged. The second award Adams presented was to Lt. Mark Clere and officer Kyle Priem for their quick work in finding an individual who was in a mental crisis and suffering from an injury. The person was in a location where he may not have been found without the efforts put in by the officers, according to Adams. Officer Priem had located the individual by tracking the ankle monitor and guided officers to the location of the person. In efforts to save the life of the person in crisis and their injury, Clere applied a tourniquet to the severe injury while checking for other injuries while leading the other officers, Adams said. Without the work of both officers, the serious injury and crisis could have been fatal. PROMOTIONS The Goshen Fire Department promoted the following members: • EMS Lt. Winston Lechlitner to the rank of EMS captain • Fire Sgt. Colton Cox to the rank of fire lieutenant • James 'Mike' White to the rank of EMS lieutenant • Firefighter Daniel Kurtz to the rank of fire sergeant Goshen Fire Department and Goshen Police Department retirements and resignations include: • Resignation and retirement of EMS Capt. Kit Castetter • Retirement of Police Officer Michael Johnson and his K-9 'Jetta' • Retirement of Police Officer Keith A. Miller LEGAL REQUESTS The following legal requests were approved: • Transit Services Agreement with the Michiana Area Council of Governments and for the city to contribute $62,000 in 2025 as local matching funds for transit program. • Elkhart County Health Department awarding the city $125,000 for the Mobile Integrated Health program. • An easement at 200 Westwood Road from Goshen Hospital Association Inc. • Awarding the $22,900 contract for the demolition of the unsafe building at 304 W. Oakridge Ave. and the sealing and restoration of the connection between the building and the garage at 306 W. Oakridge Ave. to B & E Excavating, LLC • The terms and conditions to ratify the mayor's execution of the Legal Services Agreement with Baron & Budd, P.C., Cossich, Sumich, Parsiola & Taylor, LLC, Cohen & Malad LLP, and Scott Yonover, P.C. in connection with PFAS litigation ENGINEERING REQUESTS The following engineering requests were approved by the board: • Road closure of bridge deck overlay on Third Street and Ind. 15 bridge between U.S. 33 and Mill Street. Lane closures will take place on Ind. 15 and one lane traffic is to be expected beginning as early as Tuesday and to continue until mid-November. In the later phase, residents can expect closures on Middlebury St. onto Ind. 15. Road closure on Reliance Road, between the south entrance to the courthouse and Peddlers Village Road intersection, for the roadway and storm construction work from Tuesday thru July 15, 2025 • Road closure of East Lincoln Avenue, from Rock Run Creek to just east of Olive Street, and Olive Street between Lincoln Avenue and Vinson Court, from April 7 until Aug. 8. • Road closure of Reynolds Street, from the railroad tracks to the west side of the intersection of 10th Street, Tuesday to April 25. • A temporary removal of the 'No Truck' designation on Blackport Drive, starting April 7 until no later than Nov. 21. • Agreement Amendment No. 1 with DLZ Indiana LLC for Wilden Avenue Reconstruction project's consultant services in the amount of $77,980, making the full Agreement amount $602,480. • Accepted bid by Davey Resource Group, Inc. for $98,990 for the Wellington Ditch Logjam Removal project. • Construction Standard Details for Streets and Utilities as presented. • Agreement with Arco-Murray and Lag Realty LLC for the completion of the Hyundai dealership at 3202 Elkhart Road.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
One injured in apartment fire above South Side Soda Shop
GOSHEN — One of the residents of an upstairs apartment at the South Side Soda Shop, 1122 S. Main St., was injured in a fire that started at 11:09 p.m. Wednesday. Goshen Chief Fire Inspector Scott Thomas said he did not have any specifics on the person's injury, but that person, who was a tenant, was taken to Goshen Hospital for treatment. Co-owner of South Side Soda Shop Nic Boyd-Lehman said the tenant was released from the hospital last night. A Goshen police report said that two males were inside the residence and were able to evacuate, with one of the men suffering minor burns. Firefighters arrived within five minutes at the scene and had the fire under control within 20 minutes, Thomas said. He explained there were two apartments upstairs, but only one of the apartments had extensive fire damage. That apartment is where the fire originated at, but a cause has not yet been determined. Boyd-Lehman said while they're still waiting on an official report, it is suspected that the cause might been an improper use of an extension cord and power strip. The diner itself had water and ceiling damage from the water being placed on the fire above it, Thomas said, adding that firefighters tried to control the damage by using salvage tarps inside the diner. The restaurant will still need to be temporarily closed until repairs can be made. 'We're currently in conversation with remediation companies and our insurance to get reopened as soon as possible and should be able to within four weeks,' Boyd-Lehman said. A Facebook post from the diner's owners reads, 'The Goshen Fire Department responded quickly and was able to contain the fire to one of the upstairs apartment[s]. 'The restaurant is standing and will be able to reopen in the future. We will be closed until further notice. 'The Boyd family thanks the Goshen Fire Department for their swift action. We can only imagine how catastrophic things could have been. Luckily everyone is safe.'
