Some Family History (Part 1)

William and Alfred Godette were brothers and pioneering St. Paul, MN firefighters, and their names are enshrined on the fire department headquarters.

In 1885, William Godette became the department's first African-American firefighter and later the first black person to rise to the ranks of lieutenant and captain. Alfred Godette died in the line of duty in 1921.

On September 10, 2010, the new fire department headquarters building at West Seventh Street and Randolph Avenue was dedicated the William and Alfred Godette Memorial Building.

"The (fire) chief was really the one that said, 'When you have a name on a building, young kids should aspire to be like that person,' " St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said. "I think the pioneer spirit that the Godette brothers had, to be the first members of a segregated department, it's a pretty powerful story."

William Godette became the department's first black firefighter in 1885, according to "Blacks in the St. Paul Police and Fire Departments," a book by James Griffin. The St. Paul Police Department's headquarters is named for Griffin, who was the first black St. Paul officer to reach the ranks of sergeant, captain and deputy chief.

William Godette led all-black crews at two stations, "was a founding member of his church congregation and opened his home to the victims of the 1918 flu pandemic," according to a plaque about the brothers in the headquarters building. The Godette brothers were 2 of an estimated 20 Black firefighters at the time who worked mostly separate from their White counterparts. The Godette brothers weren't allowed to work at any of the other fire stations and probably didn't come to the fire headquarters very often.

When William Godette retired in 1926, a newspaper article said he was affectionately known as "Capt. Billy." The article recounted a time an oil car caught fire in the Great Northern rail yards. William Godette was there, and "when the wind whipped the flames away from the car for an instant, he darted in and turned the valve," the article said. "He received only a few minor burns due to his quickness, but bystanders appreciated the courage."

Alfred Godette joined the fire department in 1909 and was later promoted pipeman. In December 1921, he died after falling through the pole hole at Station 22 while responding to a fire alarm, according to "St. Paul Fire — A History," a book by Richard Heath.

Before becoming firemen, the Godette brothers worked a variety of jobs, including cattle rancher (William) and expert draftsman (Alfred). Both brothers were well educated and gave dedicated service and sacrifice, with Alfred making the greatest sacrifice - his life.

William and Alfred were the brothers of my great-great-grandfather Henry DeRoy Godette from whom my grand-dad, my dad, my son, and I get our middle name.

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