Robert Goza started working for the Houston Volunteer Fire Department back in the 1960s, but his interest in the job started earlier.
“My father used to be volunteer chief in Houston, and I sort of got the bug when he was volunteer chief,” Goza said.
Now, he is being honored by his peers for 50 years of service.
“He’s been a real inspiration to all of us since we’ve grown up in the department,” HVFD firefighter Bob Sanderson said.
Goza said the equipment is one thing that has changed a lot over the years.
Despite this, his fellow firefighters said he is very up-to-date with the new technology.
They also said Goza is always quick to respond to emergency calls and is someone you want on your team.
“I knew I could depend on him to get the water to me,” HVFD Chief Curtis Jernigan said.
But, Goza said it’s all just in a days work.
“[It’s] because somebody’s got your back, always,” Goza said. “Or you got somebody else’s back, especially when you’re going into a burning building.”
Sanderson has worked with Goza for the last 28 years.
He said the community will never know how much Goza has done.
“Firefighting is not just about fighting fires,” Sanderson said. “The volunteer fire department in many ways is like the mayor’s National Guard.”
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