Rod's Waiter, 24, Remembered as a 'Dedicated' Volunteer Firefighter

A 24-year-old Green Village firefighter whose body was found by members of his department Monday after a three-day search is being remembered as a great friend and dedicated volunteer.

Stephen Marano, a Madison resident and waiter at Rod's Steak & Seafood Grille, was reported missing Saturday morning. A search of the area where his truck was found on Brittin Road in Chatham Township, including the Great Swamp, quickly started, and continued Sunday and Monday. His body was found by Green Village firefighters Monday afternoon.

"It is with a heavy heart and great regret that we announce that Lieutenant Stephen Marano was found this afternoon by friends and members of the Green Village Fire Department," the Green Village Fire Department posted on its Facebook page Monday night. "Steve was a wonderful man, great friend and dedicated firefighter. He is greatly missed and will always be loved and remembered by his friends and Brothers/Sisters of the Green Village Fire Department. We continue to pray for his family and friends and thank you all for the continued support during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Brother."

Several area fire departments posted messages Tuesday, saying Marano's family was in their prayers.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Stephen Marano and our brothers at Green Village Fire Department," the Chester Volunteer Fire Company said.

"The Officers and Members of the Randolph Township Fire Department 4th Battalion Ironia would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the members of Green Village Fire Department following the loss of a brother fireman, Steve Marano," Randolph Township Fire Department 4th Battalion Ironia said. "May you rest in peace brother. God Speed!"

"Thoughts and prayers to his family," Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department said.

The Green Village Fire Department serves parts of Chatham Township and Harding. Marano also was a waiter at the Madison Hotel.