DAGSBORO, Del. - We're now learning more about the death of a local firefighter, following in his father's footsteps. His loss is a grave tragedy to the Delaware community, especially the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company, a place he called home.
"We miss him very much and we will remember him always," said Matthew Gajdos, a firefighter and friend of Justin.
Devastation has overcome members of the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department as they mourn the loss of one of their own, and a life taken far too soon. Thursday evening, 17-year-old Justin Townsend, a Junior Firefighter, was suddenly killed in a tragic crash.
"Words cannot begin to adequately portray the sorrow this tight-knit fire company and the community it serves, is feeling," said Gajdos.
Police say Justin was a passenger in a friend's truck, that was en route to the station to help battle a nearby woods fire. We're told the truck was traveling on Pepper Road at a high rate of speed, and must have lost control at the curve causing the truck to overturn.
The entire Sussex County community is grieving. Classmates set up a memorial site for Justin at Sussex Tech High School, that read "Rest in Peace Big Country".
He was enrolled in the Collision Repair Technology program at school, a skill he put to use at the fire station. A month from now, officials say Justin would have been promoted to Senior Firefighter, where he would have continued offering a helping hand.
"His passion to help others has not been lost with his passing. Just was an organ donor and even in the shadow of death, he will continue serving others," said Gajdos.
The school, as well as the fire department, has counselors on hand for those who need them. A funeral has not yet been scheduled. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department.
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