CLEVELAND, Ohio — Firefighters, loved ones and members of the Cleveland community packed Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Saturday to say goodbye to fallen hero Johnny Tetrick.
What You Need To Know
- Hundreds of fellow firefighters, loved ones and members of the Cleveland community packed Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Saturday for the funeral of Johnny Tetrick
- Tetrick was killed on Nov. 19 by a hit-and-run driver while helping at a rollover crash along Interstate 90
- Tetrick served in the Cleveland Division of Fire for the past 27 years, much of his career at Fire Station 22
- Tetrick leaves behind three daughters
The 51-year-old Cleveland firefighter was killed on Nov. 19 by a hit-and-run driver while helping at a rollover crash along Interstate 90.
Outside Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, fire trucks lined the streets of downtown Cleveland with American flags propped up and waving in the wind.
Inside the area, hundreds of first responders stood proudly, giving a salute as Tetrick’s casket was wheeled down the aisle.
Tetrick served in the Cleveland Division of Fire for the past 27 years, spending much of his career at Cleveland Fire Station 22.
“For 27 years, Firefighter Tetrick put on his uniform and showed up for the people of Cleveland, Ohio,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, one of many who spoke at Tetrick’s funeral.
Several of Tetrick’s colleagues also spoke in front of the large crowd on Saturday, noting how Engine 22 was “more than just a group of guys, it’s a family.”
“The pain many are feeling right now is for a man who loved being called a firefighter,” said Anthony Luke, Cleveland’s fire chief.
Aside from being a dedicated firefighter, Tetrick was also known as a dedicated dad to his three daughters: Fallon, Regan and Eden.
“My dad was everything good in this world. He was strong, but gentle,“ said Regan.
Tetrick was also known to be quite the jokester around the fire station, always making his colleagues laugh. His sense of humor, colleagues said, was a bright spot in a job that’s far from easy.
“Being a firefighter wasn’t just his job, it was his life, his legacy,” said Bibb.
An IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) Medal of Honor was given to Tetrick’s family. The medal is one of the highest honors a firefighter can receive.
“He was a great firefighter and an even better man,” said Doug Brown, a fire chaplain. “Thank you, Johnny, you are home.”
