Laura Ashby recognized by Dewey Beach Police Department

Since the death of her son at a young age, Laura Ashby has worked to improve the lives of Dewey Beach residents and visitors through funds raised at an annual race in his memory.

On Dec. 16, it was Dewey Beach Police Department Lt. Billy Hocker’s turn to recognize Ashby for her generosity.

Addressing town commissioners at their monthly meeting, Hocker said the department has several automated external defibrillators, but they are at the end of their useful lives.

“Out of nowhere, Ms. Ashby contacted me and said she’d like to coordinate a donation to the police department, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time,” Hocker said.

Ashby donated three AEDs for use in police vehicles, saving the department as much as $5,000, Hocker said as he presented her with a certificate and Dewey Beach Police Department official patch.

In accepting her award, Ashby surprised Hocker yet again by saying she has the funding to purchase two more AEDs for the department.

Laura’s son, Dewey Beach resident Dave Ashby, was only 28 years old when he died in his sleep of sudden cardiac arrest in October 2019. 

To raise awareness of the risks of SCA and celebrate his life, Laura organized the inaugural Dave’s Dewey Dash 5K Walk/Run in October 2021.

With proceeds from the first race, Laura funded construction of a memorial at the corner of Bellevue Street and Bayard Avenue near Dave’s former home. The small park comprises benches and an educational plaque with a QR code that links to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation with information on how SCA differs from heart attacks, and how to help someone in distress.

In addition to the AEDs purchased for the police department in 2022, Laura also bought AEDs for Children's Beach House, Starboard Raw, Premier Community Association Management and DR’s Lawn Maintenance. 

The third Dave’s Dewey Dash is set for Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at the Rusty Rudder. Go to races2run.com.