ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A jacket, helmet and boots sit outside the Rostraver Township Volunteer Fire Department as a memorial to a fire captain who died in the line of duty.
First Capt. Michael Godzak collapsed this weekend after checking out a false alarm.
"To see something like that happen to someone you care about that became so close to you, it definitely changes your perspective on things," said volunteer firefighter Natalie Bettinelli.
The fire department posted the following on Facebook:
"When the alarm went off, we knew Mike was going to be here. He was one of the definite," said Robert Bettinelli. "He's held every line officer position, up to and including chief. He was chief for nine years."
At this time, funeral arrangements have not been finalized.