CLEVELAND — A suspected hit and run driver is facing charges for a crash that killed a veteran Cleveland firefighter. Bratenahl Police arrested a Cleveland man Sunday morning for the death of Johnny Tetrick Saturday night.
According to the Cleveland Fire Department, Engine 22 responded to a crash involving a flipped vehicle on I-90 Eastbound at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday. Witnesses said a car drove through the scene, hit Tetrick and took off.
Tetrick was transported to University Hospitals where he was pronounced dead. He had served the city of Cleveland for more than 27 years, most of that time with Engine 22 on the city's eastside.
“Johnny left behind three daughters and a wife. We want you to know that their loss is all of our loss in the firefighter community and I know the people of Ohio feel the same way,” said Edward Kelly, the General President for the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).
Tetrick's death comes on the heels of Crash Responder Safety Week. The initiative, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, raises awareness about the dangers first responders face at crash scenes.
Ohio's "Move Over Law" requires all drivers to move over one lane passing by any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. Kelly explained many drivers fail to follow the rule, in Ohio and elsewhere.
"Unfortunately, once a week a firefighter, police officer, paramedic or EMT is killed in the line of duty while responding to a roadway crash,” he said. "These are extremely dangerous incidents for us. We need people to be aware that when they're driving and see those flashing lights, those warning lights, you need to slow down, you need to move over."
Early Sunday morning, Cleveland Police located the suspect vehicle from the deadly crash. Bratenahl Police arrested a Cleveland man believed to have been behind the wheel. He's facing charges related to aggravated vehicular homicide and failing to stop after an accident.
Kelly said it's a painful reminder about the dangers first responders face and the implications of failing to slow down and move over at a crash scene.
“Think about the family that’s left behind from our fallen brothers and sisters,” he said. “There’s people working in those roadways. There’s mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters that are trying to help people.”
Mayor Justin Bibb expressed his condolences saying, “I am saddened to learn of the death of Cleveland firefighter Johnny Tetrick and extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. Firefighter Tetrick was devoted to his work as a first responder and was a much-loved member of his family and his community. Our prayers go out to his entire family as the city mourns the loss of a colleague and a dedicated public servant."
Cleveland Fire Chief Anthony Luke released a video statement on Facebook regarding the death of Tetrick.
“The citizens of Cleveland should know that even in this extremely painful time for each member of the Division of Fire, they are still standing watch, ready to serve whenever called upon,” Chief Luke said.
Details about Tetrick's funeral arrangements will be announced by the Cleveland Division of Fire at a later time. The Cleveland Fire Fighters IAFF Local 93 said the funeral will tentatively happen on Saturday, Nov. 26 or Sunday, Nov. 27 at a large venue downtown.
Flags have been lowered to half-staff on all city of Cleveland buildings in Tetrick's honor.
RELATED: Cleveland firefighter killed in hit and run while responding to crash on I-90 eastbound
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