Fire departments in the Miami Valley are expressing their condolences and spreading awareness after a Cleveland firefighter was killed while responding to a crash.
Saturday night Cleveland Fire Engine 22 was working the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 when a firefighter was hit and killed by a car that went around emergency vehicles, according to the fire department on social media.
The firefighter was identified as Jonny Tetrick.
The suspect car, a white Chevy Malibu drove away from the scene.
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The driver was later located by police and taken into custody, according to a media release. The identity of the suspect has not been released.
Vandalia Division of Fire said on social media their thoughts and prayers are with the fire department and the firefighter’s family.
Vandalia also noted the dangers of operating on the highway and reminded drivers to avoid the areas where emergency crews are responding.
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“Operating in the roadway (on the highway) is one of the most dangerous parts of what police, firefighters, EMS personnel, and tow truck operators do day in and day out. This vehicle drove around fire equipment positioned to protect the scene. Please SLOW DOWN when you are approaching stopped police, fire, EMS and tow trucks with their warning (emergency) lights on,” the department wrote in the post.
Springfield Fire Department also shared Cleveland Fire Department’s post on their social media.
Enon-Mad River Township Fire said the department is saddened by the loss and their department has had a few close calls themselves.
“There have been multiple accounts recently of near misses, and apparatuses or crew members being struck by vehicles including our own apparatus being struck recently,” a post on social media reads.
Ohio law requires motorists to cautiously shift over one lane or slow down if it is not possible to change lanes when driving by any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of a road.
Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that flags be flown at half-staffed at select buildings until sunset on the day of Tetrick’s funeral.
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