VICTORIA, Minn. — Flags will fly at half-staff at state buildings across Minnesota in honor of a Victoria firefighter who made her community a better, safer place to live.

Laura Zumbusch-Wood passed on July 27 following a 16-month battle with kidney cancer. In a post on the city of Victoria's Facebook page, Fire Chief Dave Shoger celebrated the life and many contributions of Zumbusch-Wood, who had served on the department since 2009.

"Laura Wood was an incredible friend, teacher, partner, mother, and firefighter. Her presence made us better. Her spirit inspired us. And her absence will be felt deeply," wrote Chief Shoger. "We are grateful for every moment we shared with her. And we will carry her memory with us always."

In her time on the Victoria FD, Zumbusch-Wood taught CPR, served as

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