Tragic death of Clearwater fire captain leaves community reeling | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Tragic death of Clearwater fire captain leaves community reeling

Melanie Savage, a Clearwater woman who died on Nov. 29, 2022.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Natasha Slater

A young mother in Clearwater tragically died of a heart attack just over a week ago and the fire department in the nearby town of Vavenby is asking the public for financial help for the children she left behind. 

Melanie Savage, 34, was a captain with the Blackpool Fire Department near Clearwater. She died from a heart attack at home on Nov. 29.

“Mel had the biggest heart a person could imagine,” her friend Natasha Slater told iNFOnews.ca. “She was always laughing and finding the positive in everything and everyone even if she didn’t always agree and she always stood for what she believed in.”

Described by the department as a “single mother and devoted first responder,” Savage left behind two children, ages 9 and 11, and a grieving community.

“She was the best damn mom ever,” Slater said. “She always made sure her kids came first and were taken care of. She was charismatic and her soul was so free she was truly a beautiful human that would help anyone out in any hour or situation. She worked really hard at her day job and at the firehall, always encouraging people young and old.

"She was the best friend and role model anyone could ask for."

An online fundraiser has been set up for the family by the Vavenby Fire Department to help the Savage family raise her children. The fundraising goal is $10,000. Go here to donate to Melanie Savage's family.

"On behalf of the Vavenby Fire Department we appreciate your generosity and prayers for The Savage Family and the Blackpool Fire Department," the department posted.

This story was corrected at 10:10 a.m. to show the subject does not work in Vavenby. 


To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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