APRIL 23, 2021
Ocean City Today
First responder killed on scene of fatal Del. accident By Laura Walter Staff Writer Coastal Point (April 23, 2021) The Selbyville Volunteer Fire Company was already on-scene for a vehicle collision when one of their own first-responders was struck and died in a second collision with a SVFC vehicle. “It is with our deepest and sincere regret to announce the untimely passing of Fire Police, Ladies Auxiliary President Laura Madara. Laura was fatally injured while operating on the scene of a vehicle crash this afternoon,” announced SVFC Fire Chief Travis Timmons and President Matt Sliwa. Delaware State Police this week were investigating the fatal pedestrian collision, which occurred around 1 p.m. on April 9. State police reported that a yellow 2006 Ford F-250 Selbyville Fire Police truck was stationary, facing north on Polly Branch Road in the southbound lane, just north of Lighthouse Road (Route 54) at the time of the accident. With its emergency equipment activated, the truck was being used for traffic control while on scene for a separate motor vehicle crash, which had been called in about 15 minutes earlier. As the scene cleared, police said, the Ford pickup truck (operated by a 79-year-old Selbyville man) began to reverse in a southerly direction toward Lighthouse Road. At that time, Madara was standing behind the Ford, and she was subsequently struck. The 56-year-old Selbyville resident was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, where she was pronounced deceased. Polly Branch Road was closed for approximately two hours while the investigation was completed and the roadway was cleared. “We ask that you keep the Madara Family, the Selbyville Fire Company and all of those that loved Laura in your thoughts and prayers. As more information is available, we will share,” Timmons and Sliwa wrote on the Station 88 website. The Selbyville and firefighting community immediately began to overflow with condolences and fond memories. They described Madara as a kind, funny person, who loved her dogs and was truly dedicated to the community. Working primarily for Delaware State Parks, Madara had retired as an
assistant superintendent with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control. She was a site supervisor for Worcester Commission on Aging (WorCOA) and helped at the Ocean City Senior Center. She also helped enhance youth lives though her work with Safe Kids Delaware, the 4H Club, and also as Delaware State Fair culinary judge and CPR instructor. She was a member of the Sussex County and the Delaware State fire police associations. She enjoyed NASCAR and participating in Civil War reenactment. The fire hall hosted a firefighter’s funeral service on April 18, followed by burial at the nearby Red Men’s Cemetery in Selbyville. Arrangements are by Bishop-Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville. The crash remained under investigation by the Delaware State Police Troop 7 Collision Reconstruction Unit mid-week. Anyone with information regarding the collision should contact Cpl/1 Ryan Albert at 302644-5020. Information may also be provided anonymously by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800TIP-3333 or online at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.co m.
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OBITUARIES WAYNE HERBERT CANNON Ocean City Wayne Herbert Cannon, age 72, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Herbert Carl Cannon and Georgia Lee Cannon. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christie Cannon; and Wayne Cannon children, Amanda R. Paige and her husband. John Kernan. of Baltimore, and Jeffrey R. Cannon of North Beach, Maryland; and two grandchildren, Jameson R. Cannon, and Aubrey N. Dillon. Also surviving is his brother, R. Alan Cannon of Delmar, Maryland; and sister, Susanne C. Tewey and her husband, Frank, of Annapolis; in-laws, Eric and Pamela Lego of Hagerstown, and numerous nephews and one niece. Mr. Cannon received an associate’s degree from the Career Academy of Broadcasting in Washington D.C. He then served as a medic in the Army, stationed in Germany. Upon returning to the states, he moved to Ocean City where he began his career as a broadcaster in a small local radio station, which in time led him to become the “voice” of Ocean City. Known locally as the “Mayor” of West Ocean City, he was the master of ceremonies for the Berlin Christ-
mas parade, Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day parade, Ocean City Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation Penguin Swim, local Epilepsy Telethon, and numerous other local events. He was Ocean City Citizen of the Year in 2004, past president of the Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Ocean City Paramedics Foundation, a member of the Ocean City Lions Club, where he mentored the Leo Club based at Stephen Decatur High School, and member and past trustee of the First Presbyterian Church in Ocean City. It will be hard to fill the shoes of this man who willingly donated so much of his time and energy to the town and surrounding areas that he loved. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. A celebration of life will be announced in the near future.
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