Longtime volunteer firefighter, “mayor of Webster” dies on duty
Scott Beveridge/Observer-Reporter
Michael Godzak’s turnout gear was laid out in front of the Webster fire station Monday morning.
Michael Godzak’s turnout gear was laid in front of the Webster fire station Monday morning, sharing a bench with two American flags – one unfurled on a short pole and a larger one folded in an isosceles triangle.
His boots stood on the ground, toes straight ahead, and completed a doleful reminder of the first captain’s sudden death while he was on duty less than a day earlier. He was 59.
Rostraver Township police Chief Greg Resetar said firefighters returned from a call Sunday evening before Godzak became ill and collapsed at the station.
“Michael was stricken on Sunday, April 29, while returning from a fire call as the engine driver,” Rostraver Volunteer Department No. 1 said on Facebook.
Firefighters said the call had been a false alarm on Ridge Road.
Chief Rich Painter didn’t return messages seeking comment Monday.
He was taken to Monongahela Valley Hospital. A Washington County deputy coroner said Godzak was pronounced dead there just before 7 p.m. An autopsy was pending.
Michael Godzak
“Michael dedicated his life to the fire department, having joined as a junior member in 1970 at the age of 12 and becoming a regular member at the age of 18 in 1976,” the department said in its post. The life member had served as chief for a time and held every other line officer position, plus some on the executive board, over the years.
“People often called him the ‘mayor of Webster,’ even though the village is not a municipality, because of his deep love for his hometown, fire department and neighbors,” said Scott Beveridge, a staff writer for this newspaper who lives in Webster.
Beveridge called Godzak one of his oldest and best friends.
“He was kind, intelligent and funny and loyal to his friends,” he added. “He could play a piano beautifully even though he didn’t know how to read music.”
Godzak graduated from Belle Vernon Area High School in 1976. He is survived by his sister, Maggie Winchester, who lives in the state of California.
On his LinkedIn profile, he identified himself as a purchasing manager for Alumisource Corp. in Monessen. He’d previously owned Webster Auto Parts and Fuel Company Inc. on Route 906.