State Capitol Lit Up Red To Honor Fallen Delco Firefighter

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — One year ago Thursday, Delaware County lost a member of its first responder community. And this week the state Capitol building in Harrisburg was lit up red in his honor.

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware, honored a fallen Morton Rutledge Volunteer Fire Company Captain Michael Malinowski by illuminating the outside of the Capitol red this week.

As community members mourn the loss Malinowski, who was just 40 years old, on the one-year anniversary of his death, O’Mara also honored his memory in Harrisburg.

The building will be lit red through Friday and was illuminated nightly starting Monday.

“Mike Malinowski’s company, family, friends and community sorely miss him. As we recognize the anniversary of his passing, I wanted to do something special in our commonwealth’s Capitol to show my deepest sympathy and the deep appreciation we all have for his selfless service,” O’Mara said.

Malinowski died on Dec. 3, 2019. This was only one day after he reported feeling ill after responding to a call regarding downed trees and wires.

Malinowski is widely remembered for his selfless service to the community and for serving on the company’s board of directors where he provided department trainings and helped repair the company’s crew room.