Kirkland Firefighter Terence Goldberg died of cancer at his Kirkland home Sunday. He was 43.
From his first day on the job 12 years ago, Goldberg set out to make a difference and, as a rookie, was significantly involved in developing the Department’s Strategic Plan. During his career, he served at three different fire stations; earned a number of certifications, including Advanced Pump Operator and Red Cross Lifeguard; completed the Officer Development Academy; instructed EMT, AED and CPR courses; served as a trained, youth fire setter interventionist; and managed Operations Services data collection and research projects.
Firefighter Goldberg was an effective leader and team player, known to his co-workers for his dedication to work, his professionalism, humble leadership, genuine friendship, good humor, human caring and devotion to his family. He helped found Kirkland Firefighters Benevolent Association (KFFBA), which is used primarily to help citizens during crises and was the group’s spokesperson at the City of Kirkland’s annual charity fundraiser. He earned the department’s 2003 Merrily Braucht Community Education Award for serving his community through a variety of Emergency Response and Prevention activities.
Goldberg wanted the public to be aware of his fellow firefighters’ generosity as he underwent a variety of cancer treatments over the past three years. He treasured the gift they gave him of covering his shifts and was grateful for meals and transportation they provided, for visits, and for assistance with home maintenance projects. These efforts augmented the loving care he received from his family.
Goldberg is survived by his children Jensen and Jack and their mother, Pam, parents Neil and Carol, brothers and sisters-in-law Jack, Nancy, Bernel, Todd and Michelle; nieces and nephews Shoham, Brit, Tillie, Adam, Daniele, Benjamin, Simon and Sophie.
The public is welcome to attend a memorial service with full Fire Service tribute that will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue. The service will be preceded by a procession beginning at Kirkland City Hall and ending at the Temple. Any agencies wishing to participate in the procession should contact the Kirkland Fire Department at 425-587-3650. The procession will begin from Juanita Beach Park at 10:30 a.m. For the route, visit www.ci.kirkland.wa.us.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a foundation that Terence helped found: Kirkland Firefighters Benevolent Association, c/o Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Ave., Kirkland, WA, 98033.
