Lake Twp. Firefighters lauded for efforts after crash

Five members of the Lake Township Fire Department were recognized Tuesday for their efforts during a fatal accident Dec. 14 involving their vehicle.
Dave DeVore, Manny Alvarez, Forrest Wagner and Matt DeGroff were presented certificates of commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives by Rep. Haraz Ghanbari. Todd Osborn will also receive a certificate but wasn’t at the presentation.
Fire chief Bruce Moritz praised the men who were en route to a fire Dec. 14 on State Rt. 795 when their pumper engine hit a car that had swerved across the centerline after hitting a vehicle from behind that had stopped for the pumper. The driver of the vehicle that collided with the pumper later died and his passenger suffered serious injuries. Occupants of the third vehicle also were injured.
The chief said the firefighters suffered injuries but immediately attempted to help the occupants of the other vehicles.
“It was a horrific crash,” he said, crediting the pumper driver, DeVore, for keeping the fire truck on the road and not rolling it over into the ditch along the road. “But they went from going to fight a fire to taking care of people.”
The chief said all of the township’s first responders were dedicated.
“We don’t know what we’re going to face,” he said, adding firefighters had recently spent 12 hours fighting a structure fire in the township. “We have a great group of people here. I’d take them anytime.”
The crowd of families and friends filled the meeting room of the township trustees and burst into applause after Rep. Ghanbari presented the certificates.
He said the Ohio house has approved a bill that would remove a physical injury requirement for first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The bill is pending in the senate.

Missing children program starting
The Lake Township Police Officers Association has partnered with area truckers and refueling stations to purchase seven signs that will alert motorists to missing children from Northwest Ohio.
The signs, which will be posted at the stations, read: “This establishment joins Lake Township Police in efforts to locate missing and endangered children. If you have seen any of the children on these posters please call 419-666-5500 to provide any info you have.”
A 2-foot by 3-foot board to display photos of nine missing children will accompany the signs, said Ron Craig, the township community policing officer, and new photos and information will be posted weekly.
Officer Craig said deputies from the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office have met with the township police department to discuss how the departments can collaborate on the program.
Township police chief Mark Hummer said his department will target youngsters missing from the area, working with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children to keep up-to-date information posted on the boards.
“We have garnered the support of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children,” chief Hummer said. “Also on board are Truckers Against (Human) Trafficking, and the Toledo Trucking Association.”
For information about the program, officer Craig can be reached at 419-481-6354.