Edward J. Goodman
1966 - 1979
"Little Eddie", as he was known by many, was born with cystic fibrosis, a terminal disease. Even though he was gravely ill for most of his short years, he was mainly cared for at home.
Eddie had a passion for motorcycles and dreamed of becoming a policeman or fireman. He was made an honorary member of fire and police departments across this country and Canada and will be remembered as the littlest member of The Blue Knights, a law enforcement motorcycle organization. He collected the badges sent from all over and proudly displayed them. Eric Estrada, the start of the television series "Chips", called weekly and sent autographed pictures.
When Eddie died, he was carried to his final resting place atop his favorite fire truck, Bourne Engine #2. All of his favorite men in uniform were there to honor him.
Eddie had insurmountable courage. He used his amazing sense of humor to deal with his devastating illness and to help all who loved him. Eddie's memory will live on in the hearts of his family.
BOURNE, Mass (UPI) - They poured into this Cape Cod town in cruisers, on horseback and on motorcycles Saturday - the men in blue around whom 12 year old Eddie Goodman had built his life and who were there to honor him in death.
With their silver and gold badges covered black tape to dramatize the mourning so evident on their faces, more than 100 policemen of every rank filed past the small white casket that bore the body of the cystic fibrosis victim. The boy's passion for law enforcement had made him a national hero to the country's toughest policemen.
"He's loved by everybody, as you can see.," said Yarmouth police Sgt. Al Watson, who served as a pallbearer. "He was a guy who was probably bigger and braver than any of us."