Firefighters and rescue crews across Northeast Ohio are reeling following the deaths of two colleagues killed less than a week apart while serving their communities as well as an off-duty fire chief who was found unresponsive in his home.
Tri-Community Joint Firefighter John Saunders, 43, was killed while battling a house fire on April 16 while Town and Country Lt. Paul Mickolick, 43, was struck while assisting a motorist.
On April 15, Miami Township Fire Rescue Chief Denny Powell was found in his home by Yellow Springs Police who were conducting a welfare check, according to Yellow Springs News.
When Saunders died after falling into the basement of a house, Town and Country firefighters posted a salute to him on its Facebook page.
Just two days later, they would be the one receiving heartfelt messages of support when Mickolick was hit and killed along a highway, WKYC reported.
Mickolick, who had served 16 years as a flight paramedic with Cleveland Clinic, had been with the department for four and a half years.
“LT Mickolick was a mentor, a brother, and a true hero. His passion for the fire service and his deep-rooted dedication to this community will never be forgotten,” Town and County Fire Chief Adam Hory told a reporter.
Miami Township firefighters wrote: “It is with great regret and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Fire Chief Denny Powell following a brief illness. Chief Powell was a dedicated public servant whose leadership, courage and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the community will be profoundly missed.”
