Captain Goddard recalls his days in the fire service when he chose being “salty” over being “safe.” Like many of his generation, he thought dirty equipment and PPE was a sign of courage, experience and toughness. Instead, as his family has grown, Captain Goddard has evolved to believe following safe practices in a responsible manner is his first priority. He has become a 100% advocate of “doing what’s right,” from cleaning his gear meticulously, eating food that is pro-health, exercising, and doing whatever it takes to get home to that family.
“Choosing safety over salty now, brings a whole new meaning to my life. You know, I’ve got four children. I’ve got a wife that loves me.” – Rich Goddard
Related:
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Lt. Dustin Dunn, Gallatin (TN) Fire Department
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Chief Robert Fling (Ret.), Dix Hills (NY) Fire Department
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Deputy Fire Chief Steve Przibowski, Santa Clara County Fire Department
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Mike Wieder, Executive Director, IFSTA
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Paul Melfi, State Fire Instructor, New York State Office of Prevention & Control
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Fire Chief Shane Ray (Ret.), President, National Fire Sprinkler Association
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Rich Marinucci, Executive Director, Fire Department Safety Officers Association
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Mike Wieder, Executive Director, IFSTA
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Deputy Chief Tim Cowan
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Captain Rich Goddard
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Captain David Harris
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Deputy Chief Matt Tobia
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Chief Trisha Wolford
- Everyone Goes Home® Speak Up – Captain John Dixon
