Laura L. Madara died in the line of duty on April 9, 2021, while serving as a volunteer fire police officer for the Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company in Delaware.
Laura was born on September 25, 1964, and grew up in the small town of Selbyville. As a child, she developed a love of nature and animals that would shape her future career. During her school years she took a particular interest in the local 4-H club, where she excelled as a member. After high school she went on to pursue a career in law enforcement, with an aim to work for Delaware State Parks. She graduated from the University of Delaware and went on to complete training at the Delaware State Police Academy. She realized her dream of working for the state park system, first as a park ranger and later as assistant superintendent at two park locations.
Laura was always dedicated to her work and gave much of her time to projects outside of the state parks, such as CPR training, safety programs, and Delaware State Fair culinary judging. She was also a member of the Cheswold Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, then later a member at Selbyville.
After many years serving for the State Park Service, Laura retired and moved back downstate to her hometown of Selbyville. Laura stayed busy even in retirement. She loved tailgating and going camping to NASCAR events. She loved her Jimmy Buffet concerts and enjoyed surf fishing, kayaking, and bicycling. She loved doing crafts and sewing and getting together with friends and family and cooking.
Laura joined the Selbyville Fire Company and completed training to become a fire police officer alongside her dad, Ken Madara, who has been a Selbyville fire police officer for many years. She has always been a very civic minded person, wanting to make her hometown all that it can be. She always had a knack for motivating people to accomplish greater things. She served as president of the Selbyville Ladies Auxiliary until the time of her passing. She was always quick to volunteer her time while still devoting time to family and friends.
Laura will be missed by many. She impacted many lives along the way and lived a life to be proud of. She leaves behind her mother, father, sister, and her beloved dog, Angus. She will always remain in our hearts and memories. Rest in peace, Laura. We love you.
On the night of Friday, January 15, 1926, the Cranston Heights Fire Company was alerted to a house fire in Marshallton, Delaware. While responding, just before the Marshallton school house in front of Mackinson’s store, the engine skidded on ice as they rounded the curve. The engine struck several trees and landed overturned, trapping three of the firefighters under the apparatus, and seven others were thrown clear of the engine. Firefighters Edward C. Ainsworth, 19, and David E. Hook, 20, were killed in the crash and Alfred E. Ogdon, 21, died the next day from his injuries.
On the night of Friday, January 15, 1926, the Cranston Heights Fire Company was alerted to a house fire in Marshallton, Delaware. While responding, just before the Marshallton school house in front of Mackinson’s store, the engine skidded on ice as they rounded the curve. The engine struck several trees and landed overturned, trapping three of the firefighters under the apparatus, and seven others were thrown clear of the engine. Firefighters David E. Hook, 20, and Edward Ainsworth, 19, were killed in the crash and Alfred E. Ogdon, 21, died the next day from his injuries.
On the night of Friday, January 15, 1926, the Cranston Heights Fire Company was alerted to a house fire in Marshallton, Delaware. While responding, just before the Marshallton school house in front of Mackinson’s store, the engine skidded on ice as they rounded the curve. The engine struck several trees and landed overturned, trapping three of the firefighters under the apparatus, and seven others were thrown clear of the engine. Alfred E. Ogdon, 21, died the next day from his injuries and firefighters Edward Ainsworth, 19; David E. Hook, 20; were killed in the crash.
Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes Jr., age 51, and Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, age 41, of the Wilmington Fire Department, died on September 24, 2016, from injuries sustained while fighting a structure fire.
Firefighter Timothy J. McClanahan, age 46, of the Lewes Fire Department, died on July 11, 2016, from injuries sustained during a joint training exercise with the Delaware Air Rescue Team.
Lieutenant Ardythe Denise “Ardy” Hope, age 48, of the Wilmington Fire Department, died on December 1, 2016, from injuries sustained while fighting a structure fire on September 24, 2016.
Senior Firefighter Jerry W. Fickes Jr., age 51, and Lieutenant Christopher M. Leach, age 41, of the Wilmington Fire Department, died on September 24, 2016, from injuries sustained while fighting a structure fire.
Justin Townsend was a dedicated young man with a big heart. Everything about him was ‘Big Country‚’ from his 6′ 1” height to the size of his determination to succeed. He was born and raised in Dagsboro‚ as was his father. Anyone that knew Justin knew him for his big smile and love of anything camouflage. He came from three generations of volunteer firefighters and grew up hearing stories of his pop-pop Clayton and his father back in the day and knew in his heart that he wanted to be a part of that brotherhood.
Justin was an avid fisherman and hunter‚ an accomplished equestrian‚ and loved dirt track racing. Justin often enjoyed fishing with his father at their family pond‚ or they could be seen together at the local dirt tracks enjoying a good race. Justin learned his love of horses and cats from his stepmother. Justin also loved kids. He enjoyed sharing his love of horses and 4-wheelers with his fellow firefighter’s son‚ Wyatt‚ even taking the time to help teach the two-year-old all about horses. Hunting was a big part of Justin’s daily activities‚ as long as it did not interfere with the firehouse‚ and he often hunted with brothers from the DVFD.
Justin’s dedication to service was not limited to just the fire company. He was a member of the Sussex Tech JROTC since he began his high school career and would have continued until graduation. And he thought it was ‘cool’ to get to wear an extra day of camo‚ too.
As soon as Justin was of age and before‚ he wanted to be a part of DVFD. His drive to service propelled him to complete all of his requirements in record time. Nobody in the history of DVFD had done this. It was his want‚ his need to help‚ that pushed him to accomplish this. He felt honored to have such strong roots in both his community of Dagsboro and with the DVFD. He had plans to never leave the area and to continue the family tradition of service to the community that held his family seat.
Justin gave his all in everything he tried to do‚ and with that heartfelt knowledge I know he was happy to give his life to the service of his department and community. Some say it’s a tragedy for one so young to have been lost. I know he would say.’It’s not tragic giving your life for what you love and believe in.’ With that knowledge we will continue to serve.
Michelle L. Smith Delaware City Fire Company No. 1‚ Inc. – Delaware Volunteer Firefighter Date of Death: December 22‚ 2008 Age: 29
While attending to a patient who had been critically injured in a motorcycle accident‚ Michelle Smith was struck by another vehicle and later died from the injuries she sustained. Her death helped lead to changes that further protect first responders in Delaware.
Michelle was very committed to the fire service and was involved extensively with the fire department in educating the public in fire safety awareness. She was an active member of the Delaware City Ladies Auxiliary and served as its secretary. She was co-chair of the department’s fire prevention committee and actively contributed to emergency response‚ fire prevention‚ and community awareness efforts. She took pride in her numerous contributions.
Michelle received the following awards: Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission Edward C. McCormack Award‚ 2nd place for excellence in fire education; Chief Arthur B. Hope Heroic Firefighter of the Year; and Vincent F. Malloy First Responder of the Year.
Michelle worked for Coventry Healthcare. She was also an active member of Volunteer Hose Company of Middletown‚ Delaware.
House Bill 204‚ enacted by the Delaware House of Representatives 145th General Assembly‚ was named Michelle Smith’s Law. This bill amended Delaware State Code to help ensure that any person who recklessly kills one of Delaware’s first responders is eligible to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
Michelle was a very loving daughter‚ sister‚ and mother. She is survived by her 12-year-old daughter‚ Emily.
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