Friends, colleagues mark Fire Chief Goodell’s retirement, 45 years of service

Past and present members of the Chester Fire Department gathered to honor Chief Harry Goodell on his retirement. Photos by Shawn Cunningham. Click any photo to launch gallery.

By Shawn Cunningham
© 2015 Telegraph Publishing, LLC

Nearly a hundred current and former Chester firefighters and friends responded to the Chester American Legion Saturday night to mark the retirement of former Fire Chief Harry Goodell from the department after 45 years of service. Goodell joined the department on July 1, 1969 and was promoted to chief in 1992, making him the longest serving department member.

Select board chairman John DeBenedetti reads the town proclamation honoring Harry Goodell.

While guests gathered for dinner, a 22-minute slide show consisting of photos of fires, drills and training along with personal messages from firefighters was presented.

Chester Select Board chairman John DeBenedetti read a proclamation noting Goodell’s achievements, then gave Goodell the framed document. Board members Tom Bock, Bill Lindsay and Heather Chase also were in attendance.

On behalf of the the department and the Yosemite Engine Company, Chester Fire Chief Matt Wilson, Assistant Chief Robert MacAllister and Captain Ben Whalen presented a plaque featuring Goodell’s helmet shield.  The Yosemite Engine Company, non-profit organization that raises funds to support the fire department, also marked the occasion with two gifts, including a watch.  In presenting it, Fire Captain Whalen told Goodell that there was not much room on the back for an inscription, but they were able to fit “Our Chief, Our Friend.”

Yosemite Engine Company President Ben Whalen presents Harry Goodell with a bottle of 1969 Glenlivet Scotch.

Yosemite’s second gift was a wooden box that was reported to contain a bottle of Glenlivet Scotch made in 1969. Several department members generously offered to carry the box for the retiring chief.

In his last act with the department, Goodell promoted longtime firefighter Robert “Red” MacAllister to deputy chief from assistant chief and passed on custom-made belt buckles for dress uniforms to Wilson and Whalen.

According to Chief Wilson, the Proctorsville Fire Department was on call for Chester for the evening.

Retiring Chief Harry Goodell with a town proclamation and plaque he received on Saturday night.