This is a story of warmth, camaraderie, brotherhood/sisterhood, admiration, responsibility, loyalty, respect and all the things we all wish for but few have. It is, sadly, also the story of cancer. Our son, Terence Aaron Goldberg, is a firefighter for the City of Kirkland. We are very proud of his accomplishments as a firefighter: he has saved lives, repaired lives, provided protection and safety for those in need, whether it be rescue, medical aid, or fire control. I need not expand on his role as a firefighter — perhaps a couple of stories might best introduce Terence to those who do not know the role firefighters play in a community.

In the weeks following 9/11, he received many notes and calls from citizens in Kirkland. The message was all the same: someone took firefighters for granted, and did not pay them much attention until large numbers of lives are lost, as it was in New York City. All the writers thanked him profusely, and though he personally had nothing to do with the rescue and bravery that took place in NYC, it was as close as people in Kirkland could relate to the firefighters in NYC. School kids sent drawings — all showed the great flag of a nation in mourning, and all recognized the national appreciation of those who wait on long lists to join this proud profession.

Terence was the department’s designated firefighter who loved to visit schools and teach small children, who may be caught in a fire situation, not to fear or even hide from the strange looking “monster” approaching them. And with the protective clothing and headwear, gas masks, and goggles, well, you can see how a small child would show fear. I was privileged to witness this program, and see firsthand how well Terence related to people of all ages. He is now 43 years old – yet to acquire an enemy. Everyone loves Terence, and in a relatively small town like Kirkland, we are told this many times each week. The stories go on and on.

Terence first found his tumor one day as he was “poking” around, finding a lump in his abdomen. It was surgically removed right away. Thank goodness he found it early, he was told. Sigh of relief. The reality was different, and it began three-and-a-half years of a fight that brought out bravery unlike any we have ever seen. Over those years it brought perhaps 10 kinds of chemotherapy, surgeries to again remove, once and for all, tumors, and radiation and more radiation. There were trips to other states, other doctors, new programs, new trials, even a trip to a foreign land.

So, you, may be asking, where is the camaraderie, brotherhood/sisterhood, loyalty, etc., stuff that we all want but few have it to give? The applause goes to the men and women firefighters of the Kirkland Fire Department – Terence’s beloved Kirkland Fire Department. We said he is a firefighter. Not was, is! When Terence’s cancer and treatment did not allow him to perform his duties at full strength, other firefighters took his shift – on their own. They worked in his place, trained for him – all on their own time, away from their own families. He worked himself as much as possible. When his strength did not allow him to man the trucks, he performed department duties in the computer area, and compiled statistics for the chief and others.

Okay, so other company’s fill-in for employees once in a while? Maybe, but never like these firefighters organized. Here is why Terence is still a firefighter: the goodness of the members of the Kirkland Fire Department in three years has worked more than 3,000 hours in Terence’s name. That is more than $100,000 his brothers and sisters in the department gave of their time and talent, so that Terence could remain a firefighter, waiting for his return to the front lines. The half-dozen times he returned to work, to contribute, were the best times for him. During these years, Terence has been surrounded by his two children, three brothers, sisters-in-law, and many nephews and nieces. The love showered on him was joined by his family of good friends, neighbors, his soccer team, his children’s schools – where he served in many capacities, and people from the youth teams he coached for many years. Then, and now, they repaid the goodness that they derived from Terence’s association with them.

Standing with him throughout were the friendships of the 90 members of the Kirkland Fire and Rescue Department – a group that cared and backed it up with unprecedented action. To us, his parents and the entire family, there is no better group of people than those from Fire Stations 21, 22, 24, 25, 26 and 27. They did not just work – they acted as true friends, visiting, helping in every imaginable way. We cannot thank them enough. We will always cherish this group who came as caring individuals to help our son, brother, uncle and father.

Kirkland resident Neil Goldberg is the father of Terence Aaron Goldberg, a Kirkland firefighter who died of cancer recently. To donate to the Kirkland Firefighter Benevolent Association, which Terence founded, call 425-587-3650. Also, during the month of December, visit Urban Coffee Lounge (located at 9744 N.E. 119th Way in Juanita Village) and order a “Goldberg” mocha. For each mocha sold, UCL will donate one dollar to the association in remembrance of Terence.