AKRON, Ohio — February 24, 2021, and each year after, will further be known as 'Dick Goddard Day' to the City of Akron.
The ordinance was brought forth by Councilwoman Tara L. Mosley Samples and Mayor Dan Horrigan and was unanimously passed by the Akron City Council on Monday.
Goddard began his career on the weather team at WKYC and was the first meteorologist to appear live on TV in the Cleveland region. Following that, he joined the Cleveland Browns organization as statistician for the radio broadcasts. He worked for them for more than four decades.
"Mr. Goddard was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval, the Lower Great Lakes Emmy Awards Gold Circle Award, and induction into the Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame," the ordinance reads.
In addition to his work as a weather forecaster, Goddard was well-known for his love of animals. “Goddard's Law", a bill to increase penalties for the abuse of animals, was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich 2016. He also created the Woolybear Festival in Vermilion, a one-day extravaganza inspired by the Woolly Bear Caterpillar.
Dick Goddard was born in Akron and grew up in nearby Green, Ohio. He served in the United States Air Force before graduating from Kent State University in 1960.
Mr. Goddard passed away in August at the age of 89. He will be remembered for his love of weather, sports and animals and will be celebrated by the City of Akron each year on his birthday, now 'Dick Goddard Day."