Springfield Resident Robert Gokey Awarded Challenge Coin for Selflessness and Bravery

By BOB MARTIN Eagle Times Staff SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Springfield resident Robert Gokey showed selflessness and bravery when a structure fire broke out in December, and for his efforts he was awarded a Challenge Coin by the Springfield Police Department, which was the first distributed in the new program.

SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Springfield resident Robert Gokey showed selflessness and bravery when a structure fire broke out in December, and for his efforts he was awarded a Challenge Coin by the Springfield Police Department, which was the first distributed in the new program.

“Mr. Gokey exemplifies the spirit of a supportive community,” the Springfield Police Department stated in their announcement about the coin being awarded. “These selfless acts of kindness often go unnoticed. It is with great pleasure that the Springfield Police Department presented Robert Gokey with the first-ever challenge coin. We are grateful that he is part of our community.”

According to the Springfield Police Department, in December first responders responded to Mount Vernon Street for a report of a structure fire. Gokey reportedly rose to the occasion by getting to the scene with a kitchen-sized fire extinguisher attempting to help.

He then shifted his focus to helping the family of the building that was on fire. There were freezing temperatures that day, and the family that was displaced included four children who were cold and outside during the incident.

“Mr. Gokey took the family into his apartment to attempt to warm them,” Springfield Police wrote. “He then took it upon himself to get breakfast and hot beverages for the family during their time of need. The family of the fire scene was safe, but the structure was a complete loss.”

The Challenge Coin Program was introduced by the Springfield Police Department just two weeks ago and is meant for those in the community who are making a positive impact. Officers have coins, which have a Springfield Police emblem on one side and then a comical Simpsons donut on the other, and they are to be distributed to those making major contributions.

Goals of the program include the following: encouraging positive interactions between the community and police; promoting awareness of positive things happening in town by sharing stories of inspiration on social media; and fostering pride and friendly competition within the department to recognize kindness and service to the community.

Chief Jeff Burnham said the intention is for the coins to become a “symbol of positivity, fostering fun and pride while highlighting the amazing things happening in Springfield.”

The Challenge Coin for Gokey was nominated by Officer William Guzzo, who was unavailable for a comment.