4:42 p.m. PDT Nov. 18, 2021
The Acting Air Tanker Base Manager of the base at the San Bernardino Airport in Southern California died Saturday November 13. Edward Godinez was 32 and passed away from COVID-19 after spending three weeks in an ICU. He had recently been selected to serve in that role permanently.
Fire Aviation has learned that Mr. Godinez had not been vaccinated and that several other unvaccinated Forest Service employees at the base also tested positive for COVID.
May Mr. Godinez rest in peace.
Edward and I officially met in May of 2020, when I accepted a new position at the San Bernardino Tanker Base.
We quickly bonded over common interests and experiences. We are both graduates of the Rio Hondo Wildland Fire Academy, graduated high school the same year, grew up around some of the same areas, are believers in Christ, and found out that we didn’t live too far from each other, so we decided to start carpooling to work.
The rides to work were always a great time. We talked about music, life, and often work. But we didn’t talk about work in a bad way, we talked about work because we were both fired up about the things we wanted to do for the base. We both had this vision of creating an awesome training program and culture at the tanker base. We were striving for excellence.
I would say that the mission was accomplished. During the record breaking fire season of 2020, there was almost 6 million gallons of retardant pumped from the base. And every moment of it was a blast. Edward was a monumental part of that success. Always bringing big smiles and good vibes to the base, and filling in the roles of a leader, a teacher, and a friend.
Edward truly embodied the change that he wanted to see. He made everyone feel welcomed at the base and truly cared for the well being of all those who walked through the doors.
Another way that he made people feel like family was by celebrating birthdays at work with a “surprise” birthday cake and ice cream, a tradition that I hope will continue in the years to come.
Edward exemplified the true spirit of a leader and led by example. I remember, well I’m sure all of us that worked with him will remember, the sound of a stampede coming down the stairs of the base at the close of business each day. But it was no stampede, it was the sound of Edward’s mighty boots barreling down the stairs to thank everybody for a good days work and to wave bye to everyone as they drove away. I must admit it, it did rub off on me, because it didn’t take too long before I was doing the same thing right next to him. Edward was selfless and always made sure everyone was taken care of. He loved his job and brought passion and inspiration to the base each and every day.
I am proud of the accomplishments that Edward achieved, as of latest, the acting San Bernardino Air Tanker Base Manager. Edward was always what you needed him to be; a brother, a mentor, a helper, an ear to listen; on duty or off duty. Edward will live on in our hearts and minds, as we continue to share his stories, and exemplify his spirit at the San Bernardino Tanker Base and beyond.
Edward was one of the best men that I have ever known, an honest, selfless, and genuine man. It is difficult to capture the essence of who Edward was in words. Although my time with Edward was brief, it does not reflect the huge impact that he had on my life. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Until we meet again, brother.
God’s speed and rest in peace Edward Godinez.
This is my post from another forum article that noted: “The Forest Service declined to release further details about his cause of death.” Is it the USFS in general and the San Bernardino NF specifically?
Because what do we really know about the September 2020, El Dorado Fire where Big Bear HS Charlie Morton (RiP) perished and a BBHS Crewmember Carlos Baltazar, 35 is still missing?
“The incident report about Morton’s death, first reported by the Orange County Register, is preliminary, said Zach Behrens, a spokesman for the Forest Service in San Bernardino. It could take a year or more for the final report to be released.”
It’s been over a year now. Just saying …
It was a privilege to have known and worked with Edward. Anyone who met him took an instant liking to him. A very talented young man who cared deeply about the people he worked with and the job he was doing. He treated everyone with respect and in return was respected by the people he worked with and for. Sadly he will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in Peace Edward.
Must we make this about vaxxed and unvaxxed??? This man dedicated his life to fire and unfortunately paid the ultimate sacrifice. Let’s honor him and all the great things he brought not just to the BDF but the fire world. Everyone has a choice to make let them make it and live their life’s the way they want to.
Just another statistic toooo late to get vaccinated babe
inappropriate
Edward is a miracle in my life. He offered me an opportunity to fulfill a mission in a work and play environment that he created out of love, joy and respect. He created fun in the most serious of professions.
Edward came into my life with perfect timing to share his most incredible vision. I have worked as a military officer and medical service chief. I’ve met amazing and wonderful leaders. None of them compare to Edward. He was just made of something different. You could feel the energy in his heart when he would share his visions and dreams. He never had to ask for anything…and the crew would fulfill the mission and vision without needing instruction because we all shared the dream he instilled. The appreciation he showed made us only want to give our very best. I’ve never seen his style anywhere else…and I will move his spirit forward by gently asking myself what he would do. May he forever be an angel and guide to all of us.
Because of Edward, I decided to make this opportunity a permanent one. Despite how amazingly busy and stressful a day at the tanker base could be, because of Edward’s heart, I drove in every day with a smile and thrilled to see my family. I never left without seeing Edward hug and thank every single one of us every day…after hearing those mighty boots come down those stairs with that smile and energy.
Edward left a family…but one he created…and the dreams and even feelings he created must remain in our hearts. In every way, the spirit of Edward both remains in and will continue in our hearts and with a beloved airtanker base family.
We love you forever, Edward!
To my greatest leader and most trusted of friends, all the indescribable love in my heart for you.
Edward was a man of many talents. He connected with everyone and anyone he met. Wether you were working over him or under him there was never any boundaries that made an individual uncomfortable to have an open conversation with him. Edward had a sense of pride in anything he did, he brought in energy to the group wherever he went, he was eager to learn new things, and always wanted to exceed expectations. All of these were traits that he exhibited and as a crew traits that rubbed off on us. All he wanted was for the crew to grow as individuals and always took the time to make a personal connection with everyone. He was a leader that we all respected. Not because of status but because we loved him. He was a lot more than a firefighter, he was whatever you needed him to be; a mentor, friend, brother, even a father figure. These words will never be enough to describe him. But many of us can agree that we all loved him.