Cedar Rapids FD honors two firefighters killed in 1976 river rescue training accident
The Cedar Rapids Fire Department on Wednesday honored two firefighters who died in the line of duty 50 years ago during a river rescue training exercise on the Cedar River. Firefighters, family members and community members gathered at Sunner Memorial Park for a remembrance ceremony recognizing Robert Simon and Melvin Goebel, who were killed May 20, 1976. The ceremony included remarks from department leaders and a traditional bell-ringing tribute honoring the fallen firefighters. According to the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, Simon and Goebel died during a training operation near Old River Road SW when their boat went over a roller dam after a safety rope came loose. The department says the two men are remembered for their service and sacrifice and remain an important part of Cedar Rapids Fire Department history. The city’s “In Memoriam” page recognizes Simon and Goebel among the firefighters who died in the line of duty while serving the community.
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