Captain Raymond Goodwin was named acting chief of the Onset Fire Department on October 24.

Goodwin has worked for the department for nearly three decades. He joined Onset Fire in 1986 as an on-call firefighter when he was "not quite 16," he says. He served as a call lieutenant from 1996 to 1997, joined the department full-time in 1997 as a lieutenant/inspector, and has served as captain/shift commander since 1999. He has also overseen the training of new recruits since 1998.

Goodwin takes over for 16-year chief Howard Andersen, who passed away on October 4 after a battle with cancer. The district's Prudential Committee is interviewing candidates for the permanent post. Goodwin says he will apply for that position as well.

"Hopefully I can do a good job for the district," Goodwin said, noting: "I've got a big helmet to fill."

Though its unclear how long Goodwin will serve as acting chief, he says there is much work to be done.

The department applied for grand funding to replace its 40-year-old ladder truck. Goodwin says the firefighters can no longer find parts to repair the truck. Additionally, the truck has an open cab, so the first-responders are exposed to the elements, year-round.

"It's not good on the personnel," he said. "It's not safe."

But right now, the department is just trying to get back into the swing of things following Chief Andersen's death.

Onset Fire promoted a number of new officers in recent months as others left the department.

"Everybody's kind of gelling in their new positions," Goodwin said.

Goodwin says he's proud to be able to serve the district in the acting chief's position, and notes that he's excited to have met one of his life goals.

"A personal thanks to everyone," the acting chief said, adding that his brother and sister firefighters have been very supportive.

"Everybody's been great," Goodwin said. "We are a large family. It's nice to have your family members support you."