CLEVELAND — A Cleveland firefighter killed by a hit-and-run driver in 2022 will be remembered each time drivers travel a stretch of I-90.
Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 107 Friday afternoon, which designates a portion of Interstate 90 as Cleveland Firefighter Johnny Tetrick Memorial Highway. The governor signed this bill into law at Tetrick’s home station of 25 years, Cleveland Fire Station 22.
“Today we honor the legacy of Johnny Tetrick who dedicated his life to helping his community,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in an Association of Cleveland Fire Fighters IAFF Local 93 press release. “It is so important to remember our brave first responders who give the ultimate sacrifice.”
House Bill 107’s primary sponsor was Rep. Thomas Patton, R-District 17.
A number of other city officials joined the governor in the signing, including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
“While we still feel Johnny’s absence every day, we are thankful for the action taken by our legislators to ensure his courageous legacy is cemented,” Local 93 President Jake Konys said in the release. “Through our partnership with Representative (Tom) Patton, Governor DeWine, the OAPFF, and countless others, Johnny’s sacrifice will be given the recognition that it deserves. We’ve appreciated the support of Mayor Justin Bibb, Public Safety Director Wayne Drummond, and Fire Chief Anthony Luke throughout our loss of Johnny and the grieving process that’s followed.”
Tetrick was killed while helping at a rollover crash. Former colleagues remember his love for his firefighter family and for being a dad.
One of his three daughters says she and her sisters will remember him as a "girl dad.” Another of his daughters was in labor and couldn't attend the dedication.
Tetrick worked as a firefighter for 27 years.
Senate Bill 185 was amended after Tetrick’s death to include firefighters and paramedics. It requires a minimum five year sentence for someone convicted of vehicular homicide involving a firefighter or paramedic.
“Cleveland will always remember Johnny Tetrick for his passion and dedication in helping our residents every single day throughout his 27+ years of service," Bibb said in the release. "My thoughts remain with his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. While his life was tragically cut short, today’s ceremony forever cements his impact on our city. We thank Governor DeWine, Representative Patton, IAFF Local 93 President Konys, and everyone else in making sure we honor Johnny through this memorial.”