The service technician left bleeding from a head wound along the side of U.S. Route 250 last summer was at Monday’s New Philadelphia City Council meeting to thank the firefighters who saved his life.
Travis Brown was hit by a dump truck while changing a tire on August 12th, 2025. While his recovery continues, he was in person Monday when the New Philadelphia Fire Department received the 2026 Ohio Star of Life Award for their efforts that day. His sister expressed the family’s gratitude.
Mayor Joel Day presented the commendations to eight members of the fire department. He praised the firefighters and EMS for their calm, professional approach to stabilizing Brown and treating his head injury and compound leg fracture.
Fire Chief Jim Parrish said it was a team effort backed by modern training and equipment.
The honored firefighters include Chief Parrish, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Tharp, Captain Wes Tucke, Lieutenant Ryan Murphy, and Firefighter/Paramedics Kyle Rowland, Zachary Adams, Timothy Hawkins and Lucas Hagan.
The dump truck driver in the accident was sentenced to community service and fined 250 dollars.
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