EMFD Honors Fallen Comrad

The (EMFD) did its part to pay respect to G. Michael Godfrey, an ex-chief from South Floral Park that died at age 78.

In honor of Godfrey, who was the first black person on the New York State Firemen's Association board, EMFD erected an enormous American Flag on the overpass of the Southern State Parkway as Godfrey's funeral procession passed by.

"He held many different posts in the fire service," East Meadow Fire Chief John Priest said. "We just wanted to show our respect."

From Newsday:

Godfrey, a member of the South Floral Park department for more than 35 years and chief for seven, was one of the first black men to serve in a position of authority for numerous Long Island and New York State firefighter associations, his colleagues and family said. He succumbed to heart disease on Thursday.

One of his three daughters, Mary Godfrey-Rickards, told Newsday that her father was all about helping others.

"He believed that you should help your neighbor and he believed that you should be committed to one another," Godfrey-Rickards said. "He thought it was very important to give back."

Do you have any memories of Godfrey? Tell us in the comments.