The Columbus Dispatch
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A veteran Columbus firefighter was killed Monday night when he lost control of the car he was driving on a rural road in Union County.
Herman Tidwell, 48, of Pickerington, was driving in the 22000 block of Bearswamp Road northwest of Marysville, near the village of Raymond, just before 8 p.m. when he went left of center, struck a ditch and rolled several times. Tidwell, who likely was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle, said Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton.
Tidwell was taken to Marysville Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Union County coroner has ordered an autopsy to be performed by the Franklin County coroner’s office.
Tidwell was assigned to Station 14 on the South Side. He had been with the division for 23 years, said Fire Battalion Chief Tracy Smith.
He had been on sick leave for a work-related injury. Details were not available.
Tidwell has had several dangerous moments in his career, including falling through the floor of a burning building several years ago.
Tidwell received the Distinguished Service Award in 1995 and 2005. In 2011, he received the Fire Service Award of Merit.
“He is a decorated firefighter and has been an absolute asset to the department,” said Smith.
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