Darlene Gail Raffelson died December 17, 2020, from complications of cancer deemed by the State of Washington to be in the line of duty.

She started her fire service career in 1978 with the Ocasta Fire Department and then joined South Beach Ambulance as a volunteer EMT. She graduated from the paramedic program at Tacoma Community College and was hired in Westport. In 1999, she was hired by the Tumwater Fire Department, where she worked for many years as a firefighter/paramedic on Medic 5 in the city of Tumwater. She was promoted to paramedic lieutenant and served as the department training officer. She served as secretary-treasurer for Tumwater Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2409.

Darlene served her community well and was an example to others.