Capt. Stephen Goodwin joined the department on April 11, 1980, and is retiring after 25 years of service with the City.

He completed his probationary period on Oct. 20, 1980, upon the high recommendation of then Capt. Clyde Chapman who was his supervisor.

The captain, throughout his career, played an important role in the delivery of public fire education throughout the city with numerous letters of recognition of his accomplishments and efforts to assist the department in this area.

He attended Southern Maine Technical College and received his Associates Degree in fire science on May 23, 1986.

He received a number of department commendations for his actions throughout his career including,

a. Rescuing a young girl from a third floor window at a structure fire on June 10, 1988, at 57 Seavey St. In addition to the department commendation, he was awarded the Firefighter of the Year Award from the Cumberland County Firefighters Association for his actions at this incident.

b. In August of 2001 for his command presence at a rapidly evolving three-alarm structure fire at 150 Main St. on Aug. 18, 2001.

c. In November of 2003 for his command presence at a two-alarm fire at 4 Doyle St. on Nov. 12, 2003, which resulted in the successful rescue of an elderly lady by his crew.

In October of 2001, the captain attended a two-week fire officer course along with three other captains in the department in Limestone, Maine. This was a very intense course and as a result of successful completion, became one of the first 19 fire officers within the state of Maine to earn the title of fire officer one in compliance with National Recommended Training Standards.

During 1999 and 2000, the captain played an integral part in the Fire Rescue Services Committee, which developed the Fire Rescue Services Plan that has been the foundation of the current and ongoing plan to improve the delivery of fire and rescue services to the citizens of Westbrook.

This article was submitted by Fire Chief Gary Littlefield.

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