The Croydon Fire Company gathered to honor the life of Ed Margavich, a dedicated firefighter who passed away last week at the age of 80 after sustaining an injury in the line of duty, reports Katie Katro for 6abc.  

Margavich and other firefighters from the company were responding to a fire in Croydon on Aug. 8 at 5:30 AM. A van fire, later determined to be a result of arson, had spread to a home nearby. 

After directing traffic at the scene of the fire, Margavich left to return to the firehouse, where he fell and broke his femur. He passed away due to his injuries the following week.  

“There’s no words. Honestly, we’re shocked,” said the department’s public information officer, Joe Gasper. “We never thought a broken femur would bring us here.” 

Margavich was like a grandfather to the community, serving the area for almost 65 years. He began at the fire station at age 16 and eventually became chief and, later, fire police captain.  

Firefighters have flown the flag outside the firehouse at half-staff and constructed a memorial for locals to pay their respects.

“He was always the guy that was joking. I don’t believe he had an enemy anywhere. I believe he was friends with absolutely everybody. And we were gonna absolutely miss him,” said Gasper. 

Learn more about Ed Margavich’s lifelong service and the legacy he leaves behind in the Croydon community at 6abc.  

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