Ethan Goedken wins hero award

Submitted by Jason Ziter, Colchester Rescue

On May 1, Colchester Rescue presented a “Certificate of Heroism” to Ethan Goedken, 8, during a school-wide assembly at Union Memorial School.  The award read: “This certificate is presented to Ethan Goedken who performed an outstanding act of bravery in the face of fear.  Your quick actions on the evening of April 7, 2008 helped make a difference.”

On April 7, Ethan was at home with his mother and younger sister.  Ethan’s mother Andrea Goedken became ill and knew that she needed help from her husband.  She had Ethan call her husband on his cell phone.  By the time Ethan got his father on the phone his mother could not talk.  Ethan recognized that his mother’s illness had become worse and immediately ran to the neighbor’s house for help.

When Ethan returned with the neighbor his father had called the house back.  Still with his mother not able to speak, the neighbor advised Ethan’s father of the problem and he called 911 requesting the ambulance to their home.

While waiting for the ambulance Ethan stayed with his mother and the neighbor to offer any help he could.  Once the ambulance arrived Ethan took his younger sister to another room to play with her so they would not be in the way of emergency providers.

While playing with his sister he also remembered that his mother had placed dinner in the oven to cook.  Ethan had the sense of mind to tell his neighbor about dinner so she could take it out of the oven before it burned.

Ethan’s mother was transported to the hospital by Colchester Rescue and was treated at Fletcher Allen Health Care.

After being discharged from the hospital a week later, Andrea Goedken contacted Colchester Rescue to see if anything could be done to recognize her son’s actions. Once Colchester Rescue was made aware of Ethan’s bravery and ability to handle this situation, it was obvious that Ethan definitely needed to be honored for his actions. Colchester Rescue is proud of Ethan and was very happy to honor him with this award in front of his entire school.

The award was presented by the ambulance crew that transported Andrea Goedken to the hospital: Lisa Previti, Michelle Bush and Tyler Mitchell.

Jason Ziter, of Colchester Rescue, speaks to children at Union Memorial School in Colchester about their classmate, Ethan Goedken, who helped save his mother’s life. 

Ethan stands with his mother Andrea and sister Carley, 5, showing his hero award.

Photos by Jessica Rotkiewicz

Ethan is congratulated by classmate Thomas Colgrove as his name is announced for the award.

Ethan Goedken with his mother Andrea and sister Carley, 5. Behind him are members from Colchester Rescue who responded to the call for emergency help on April 7, Lisa Previti, Michelle Bush and Tyler Mitchell.