Victoria Fire Chief Honors Firefighter Laura Wood

The Southwest Metro Chamber of Commerce honored late Victoria firefighter Laura Wood at its fourth annual Emergency Responders Luncheon on April 29, 2026. Wood served the department for 16 years before dying of cancer in July 2025, a death the department recognized as line-of-duty.

Victoria Fire Chief and Public Safety Director Dave Shoger nominated Wood for the award, citing her work on firefighter health and safety initiatives. "Laura showed up not just physically, but fully for every patient, every resident, and every firefighter standing beside her," Shoger said.

Wood played a critical role in designing Victoria's new fire station, which nears completion. She championed spaces for reflection, wellness, and proper decontamination. Drawing on her landscaping background, she incorporated natural elements and calming design into the facility.

Wood's husband, Paul, accepted the award. The luncheon honored first responders from Carver, Chanhassen, Chaska, and Victoria. The event raised funds for the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association and the Minnesota Fallen Firefighters Memorial Association.