We would like to express our sincerest condolences to the entire Goole family on the tragic loss of Zachary. Zach is the son of Jimmy and Malinda Goole, grandson of Dave and Patty Goole and cousin to Tim Goole. Their family has a very rich and historic presence with the Gates-Chili Fire Department and the Gates Fire District. The past 48 hours has been very traumatic and emotional for so many of our firefighters and their family members.
We have never seen such a outpouring of support and concern for a member of our department like we have seen for the Goole family. All of our members have gone above and beyond to step up and help during this very difficult time. We are grateful to each and every one of you for showing such compassion and your continued support as we move through the next few days helping the family.
The Fire Department will be conducting a Code F tomorrow night at 18:45 at the Jim Gray Funeral Home of Buffalo Rd. They will be assembling in the front of the funeral home on the Buffalo Rd side. Deputy Chief Hardy and Chief Harrington will be the point of contact for any questions at the funeral home.
On Tuesday morning the church service will be held at Holy Ghost on Coldwater Rd at 09:30. All of our members are requested to assemble in Class A uniform at 09:00 in front of the church. Captain Poness will be the point of contact at the church. Immediately following the church service we will proceed across the street to Holy Ghost cemetery for the grave side service.
Immediately following the service family and friends are invited back to the pavilion at Station #3 on Coldwater Rd for a reception and lunch. The bus will be available to shuttle people from the church to the fire station for the duration of the event.
There will be fill in companies beginning 08:00 on Tuesday morning to cover our calls. All 3 stations will be covered until 13:00 as we expect a large turnout from our members. Assistant Chief Bubel is coordinating this detail.
This tragedy has touched so many of us personally as we feel this loss just as though Zach was a member of our own family. Whether we were at the scene of the incident that night, or know Jim and Malinda personally or professionally, or know Zach and watched him grow into such a vibrant and intelligent young man–we are all feeling the pain and suffering. I want to remind everyone that grief counselors are available for you to reach out to. Beth Danehy from Strong EAP has been with us through the past few days and has assisted several of us dealing with this incident. Please let Chief Harrington know if you would like to speak to Beth and he will have her contact you directly.
The family and Chief Harrington would also like to thank everyone for the support and are grateful for everything you have done to support the family during such a difficult and trying time in their life’s.