Hall County to dedicate unmarked grave of G.I. firefighter

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - – The Hall County Historical Society, Grand Island Fire Department, and Grand Island Professional Fire Fighters IAFF 647 are pleased to announce the dedication of a newly installed grave marker in honor of Thomas “Tommy” Goodchild. The ceremony will take place on Friday, October 6th, at 5 p.m. in the Grand Island City Cemetery at 3168 West Stolley Park Road in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Thomas “Tommy” Goodchild, a prominent figure in Grand Island’s history, is being posthumously recognized for his significant contributions to the community. As a Grand Island businessman, volunteer firefighter with the Grand Island Always Ready Hook & Ladder Company 1, and labor advocate, Goodchild left an indelible mark on the city.

In August 1892, Grand Island residents and firefighters mourned the loss of Tommy Goodchild. In a remarkable show of respect, all Grand Island Fire Department members gathered at City Hall to participate in his funeral procession to the Grand Island City Cemetery. This collective display of honor and unity demonstrated the deep respect and admiration that the community held for Tommy Goodchild.

Tommy Goodchild’s life story also highlights the rich diversity of Grand Island’s history. Born in Missouri in 1848, Tommy was a black man whose legacy continues to inspire and unite the community, transcending the boundaries of time and race.

The dedication ceremony will be led by representatives from the Hall County Historical Society, the Grand Island Fire Department, and members of Grand Island Professional Fire Fighters IAFF 647.

All members of the community, as well as those interested in paying their respects to this remarkable individual and celebrating Grand Island’s history, are invited to attend this event.

For more information about the dedication ceremony or to learn more about Thomas “Tommy” Goodchild’s legacy, please contact Michelle Setlik – Hall County Historical Society Vice President at (308) 380-4480 or email: setlik@charter.net.

For more on Tommy Goodchild, see this article from January 2021