First Responder Killed in Tragic Crash While Assisting Motorist in Wayne County
West Salem, OH — A late-night crash on Stratton Road in Congress Township has left the community in mourning after a first responder was tragically killed while selflessly rendering aid to a stranded motorist. The incident, now under active investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, occurred at approximately 10:39 p.m. on Thursday.
According to authorities, Lieutenant Paul Charles Mickolick, a 43-year-old firefighter paramedic with the Town and Country Fire District, responded in his personal vehicle to assist Tylor James Green, 33, of West Salem, whose Ford F-150 had become stuck in a ditch while exiting a private field on the west side of Stratton Road.
Lieutenant Mickolick, a respected member of the emergency services community and former Flight Paramedic for the Cleveland Clinic, parked near the disabled truck to provide assistance. Shortly after his arrival, tragedy struck.
At the same location, a 2006 Cadillac CTS driven by Creighton L. Trimble, 64, of West Salem, was traveling southbound on Stratton Road when it veered off the right side of the road, crashing into the ditch where both the F-150 and the two men stood. The impact struck both Mr. Green and Lieutenant Mickolick, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Emergency personnel from Town and Country Fire and EMS rushed to the scene and transported both victims to Cleveland Clinic Lodi Hospital. Mr. Green was later flown by medical helicopter to Akron General Hospital in serious condition. Despite the efforts of his fellow first responders, Lieutenant Mickolick succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Lieutenant Mickolick joined the Town and Country Fire District as a full-time Firefighter Paramedic in 2022, bringing with him years of experience, knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to serving his community. Prior to his role there, he had served as a Flight Paramedic with the Cleveland Clinic, where he made countless life-saving contributions.
“He died doing what he had always done—helping someone in need,” said a fellow firefighter who worked alongside Mickolick. “He was one of those rare individuals who didn’t wait for a uniform or a shift. He just showed up. That was Paul.”
Numerous agencies responded to the scene, including the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, New Pittsburg Fire and EMS, Lodi Fire and EMS, and Bear’s Towing and Repair. Their coordinated efforts ensured the area was secured for investigation and recovery, while mourning the loss of one of their own.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, who are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including any potential contributing factors such as visibility, speed, or impairment.
As the community reels from the heartbreaking news, tributes to Lieutenant Mickolick have already begun pouring in, celebrating a life defined by courage, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to public service. Plans for a public memorial are expected to be announced by the Town and Country Fire District in the coming days.
Residents and fellow first responders are encouraged to keep the Mickolick family, as well as Mr. Green and his loved ones, in their thoughts during this unimaginably difficult time. A fund in memory of Lieutenant Mickolick may also be established to honor his legacy and support his family in the days ahead.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.