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Last updated on Thursday, January 5, 2017
(SPRINGVILLE) - Dennis “Denny” Godsey was honored Tuesday night for serving nearly 50 years on the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department.
"I am not one to look for a pat on the back," Godsey said with a chuckle. "It was a big surprise. I was just serving my community and doing something I love to do. They jumped the gun a little it won't be 50 years until April."
Godsey was honored by Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association 17B District Chairman Bobby Brown, IVFA Public Relations for Southwest Steve Nolan and IVFA Vice President David Isreal along with State Fire Marshal James Greeson.
Godsey was awarded an IVFA 50 year Gold Card with a lifetime membership to the association and his 50 year pin. Fire Marshal Greeson presented him with the Meritorious Service Award.
Godsey has held several positions within the fire department including being chief.
"Things are a lot different now then back in 1967, when we built our first department," he added. "We built our first fire station where it is located now with a loan of $3,000. We purchased our first truck a 1941 GM from Heltonville."
The department didn't have any funds, so Paris McCarter loaned the department the money to build the fire station.
"We paid him back hosting turkey shots," Godsey says. "It took all of us working together to build that station, hauling cement blocks one at a time and two of us on each corner of a wall standing it in place."
"Those that become firefighters don't do it for any praise or glory," Godsey says.
"We do it because we love our neighbors and communities and we love the job," he added. "We don't do it for praise or a pat on the back."
One of his most recent memories was from about three to four years ago. There was a bad accident on Ind. 54.
"It involved two vehicles, one with two women inside and one with three to four young children," he added.
When Godsey arrived on the scene one woman had lost her life and he found a young boy sitting on the side of the road.
"He was around five or six-years-old," He added. "He was a clue little kid and he kept asking me if he was dreaming. He must of asked me that four or five times."
Godsey assured the young boy he would be okay while he treated his injuries.
"Several months after the accident his family brought him to the station," Godsey added. "He wanted to say thank you. It felt good to see he was okay and hear those words... it feels good to help people."
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