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Goodwin, longtime fire chief, dies

VIENNA -Danny Goodwin, the longtime chief of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, died Monday night in Cincinnati. He was 67.

“He fought very, very hard,” Amy Stoltz, his daughter, said.

Goodwin was in Cincinnati visiting with his family and grandkids for Christmas when he became ill and short of breath, Stoltz said. His family immediately took Goodwin to the hospital where doctors discovered he was suffering from a chronic lung disease.

“He was unaware of it. It was very rare,” Stoltz said.

Goodwin remained hospitalized in Cincinnati until his passing Monday night.

Terry Hefner, chief of the Waverly Volunteer Fire Department and president of the Wood County Firefighters Association, knew Goodwin for about 30 years.

“He was well known and well liked all over the state,” Hefner said. “Just an all-around good guy. He will be greatly missed.”

Goodwin was unique and always willing to help any department, Kim Marshall, chief of the Deerwalk Volunteer Fire Department, said.

“There’s only one way to put it,” Marshall said. “He was Danny Goodwin, fun to be around, very dedicated. The city of Vienna and VFD has lost a huge servant.”

Goodwin was a dedicated public servant, Steve Stephens, a Vienna city councilman and former police chief, said.

“He was one of those guys that would give you the shirt right off his back if you needed it,” he said.

Goodwin, a father of three sons and a daughter, had been a firefighter since the age of 15. He began as a member of a junior department started by his father, Wilbert Goodwin, Stoltz said.

Goodwin was a member of the Vienna VFD since 1971 and served as chief for more than 20 years. He also served two tours in Vietnam.

Goodwin’s son Lee also serves on the fire department along with his dad’s younger brother, Assistant Chief Larry Goodwin, who’s served since 1972.

Goodwin’s passing is a huge loss, Mayor Randy Rapp said.

“He was a great mentor to other firefighters and well respected around the state, an absolute professional,” Rapp said.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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