Plaque unveiled for North Wales firefighter killed in farm rescue tragedy

A plaque has been unveiled to commemorate a North Wales firefighter who died in a tragic farm rescue over 35 years ago.

Holywell firefighter Edwin “Eddie” Goodman died after becoming overcome with fumes whilst trying to rescue two agricultural workers trapped in a silo, on 4 March 1987. Both of the farm workers also lost their life.  

The incident took place on Plas Captain Farm in Brynford, Clwyd. The plaque will be placed on the station wall at Holywell fire station, where Mr Goodman served.

Eddie’s family and friends will be in attendance, including his widow, Lyn Goodman, who will make a brief speech.

The plaque set to be unveiled is a Red Plaque. The Red Plaque scheme is run by the Fire Brigades Union and aims to recognise firefighters who have died in the line of duty with a plaque recognising their sacrifice. 

Fire Brigades Union North Wales brigade chair Stuart Stanley said:

“Eddie Goodman and the sacrifice he made are still remembered in the brigade and in the local community. No one will ever forget such bravery and such a great loss, in such tragic circumstances. This plaque will ensure that future generations of firefighters and the public remember what happened and remember Eddie.”

Stuart Stanley will be joined at the unveiling by many FBU members, officials and Eddie’s friends and former colleagues. Former firefighter Mike Smith, who was present on the day that the tragedy occured, and North Wales chief fire officer Dawn Docx. They will both be among the invited speakers at the unveiling.

Andy Dark, Fire Brigades Union assistant general secretary, said:

 “Firefighters mourn the loss of every firefighter whatever the circumstances of their passing. The death of a firefighter in the line of duty makes it even more tragic. There is added poignancy when their lives are lost whilst trying to save the lives of others. The FBU’s Red Plaque will help ensure that Eddie and the sacrifice he made will never be forgotten. The Fire Brigades Union is proud to play a part in remembering Eddie and ensuring that his legacy remains remembered”

Eddie had become a retained firefighter in 1982 on leaving the Royal Navy. He was accorded full fire service honours at his funeral. He was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal, the Andrew Carnegie Hero’s Medallion and the Fire Brigade’s Gallantry Medal.

The Red Plaque scheme is one of a number of projects funded by the FBU’s Firefighter 100 lottery.

The money raised by the lottery is supplemented by money from the FBU itself. The Firefighter 100 lottery the can be entered by anyone who wishes to help by using www.firefighters100lottery.co.uk.

The unveiling will take place at 2pm, Saturday 6 August 2022, at Holywell fire station, Whitford Street, Holywell, CH8 7NJ.

For other inquires, or for more information, comment or interviews please contact Ben Duncan-Duggal on ben.duncan-duggal@fbu.org.uk or 07825635224. It is possible for media to talk to Mr Goodwin’s widow Lyn before or on the day by contacting Ben.

It will also be possible for the media to film or record the speeches made at the unveiling, including those by Lyn Goodwin, Edwin’s widow, and Mike Smith, a firefighter who was present on the day of the tragic incident in 1997.

Photos of the day will be sent to email addresses that have received this press release shortly after the event takes place.

Media are welcome to attend on the day – please let us know if you’re planning on attending.